Executive BREAKTHROUGH Blog

High-functioning anxiety is an intriguing but often hidden phenomenon. Even though not officially labelled in psychology, it’s a commonly used term that refers to people who deal with anxiety yet continue to perform well in their lives. They excel in their careers, relationships, and personal goals, but under this surface of accomplishment, there’s a constant worry that can’t be ignored.

As you progress in your career, you will undoubtedly find that you are confronted with different and bigger challenges- greater responsibilities, tight deadlines, and high expectations.

Understanding why we often find ourselves trapped in challenging circumstances and relationships it is helpful to consider our early brain development.

In the first few years of our existence, we undergo what is referred to as the “sensitive phase” of brain growth, during what is called the ‘Imprint Period’, when everything we are told by our caregivers is assumed to be unquestionably true

This thought-provoking quote skilfully asks us to rethink our place in the world and our connection to everything else in it.

Maybe you sometimes feel like a tiny dot in a ginormous, bustling world – a mere drop in a limitless ocean. But, through these wise words, Rumi is gentle suggesting that each one of us carries the enormity, the complexity, and the beauty of the ocean within ourselves.

Ever wonder how self-doubt and impostor syndrome might be shaping your day-to-day experiences? Many of us struggle with these feelings without realizing the far-reaching impacts they can have. Here’s a snapshot of how they could play out in daily life.

Career progression is often seen as a linear path to increased confidence and authority. However, as one climbs the corporate ladder, it can paradoxically lead to an increase in self-doubt. This phenomenon, while seemingly counterintuitive, can be understood by examining the changing dynamics and responsibilities that come with career advancement.

What is the basis of this apparent paradox?
Firstly, it’s important to understand that self-doubt doesn’t discriminate based on achievements or status: it can affect successful people as much as it can affect those who are struggling.

“What-if” thinking is a common response to trauma, creating imagined scenarios to anticipate danger. While it’s a natural protective instinct, it can evolve into hyper-alertness, posing potential problems.

This quote suggests that we often aim for perfection, not for ourselves, but to project an image to others, an image that usually doesn’t align with what we believe about ourselves.

This phrase is spot-on when talking about those troublesome negative emotions we all experience from time-to-time. You know, the ones like self-doubt, fear, anger, sadness, or anxiety that you’d rather ignore than deal with. But here’s the thing – the more you try to avoid them, the louder they yell.