Exploring The Link Between Fear Of Failure And Social Anxiety
No one should be ashamed of being an introvert. Our differences make life more rich and wonderful. So, if some folks prefer to avoid the spotlight and maintain a small social circle, that is their business. However, if the underlying cause is something deeper and more insidious than shyness, you might want to explore the concepts of social anxiety disorder and fear of failure.
Social anxiety is a diagnosis; fear of failure involves distorted thought patterns. Either of these issues can seriously hamper your daily life. You can get stuck in patterns of behavior that hold you back and negatively impact your physical health, too. Plus, these two conditions are often connected.
Exploring The Link Between Fear Of Failure And Social Anxiety
Let’s get things started with some of the basics:
Social Anxiety
Far more than shyness, social anxiety is a chronic condition marked by chronic, irrational anxiety related to interacting with others in any way. A person with social anxiety dreads anything that involves them being watched because this can lead to judgment and embarrassment. Such fears are rarely warranted, but this disorder makes them feel ever-present.
Fear Of Failure
The definition of this syndrome sounds eerily like social anxiety. As the name implies, a person’s top concern is not doing well — especially if the “failure” is witnessed. Thus, they expend a disproportionate amount of daily energy on avoiding whatever feels like a risk. Needless to say, this requires at least some social isolation and a whole lot of procrastination.
Both problems can arise from similar sources (e.g., bullying, trauma, etc.), and the symptoms overlap broadly.
Signs Of Both Fear Of Failure And Social Anxiety
Unrealistic expectations of yourself and the people in your life
Everything is either a failure or a success (all-or-nothing thinking)
You fear and thus expect worst-case scenarios
You engage in people-pleasing behaviors to keep them from judging you harshly
Common Outcomes Of Fear Of Failure And Social Anxiety Disorder
As touched on above, these conditions can lead to someone withdrawing in multiple ways. Avoiding social interactions can feel like a logical option. Plus, when you can’t fully isolate yourself, you can settle into stressful bouts of procrastination — fearing that you are doomed to make a fool of yourself. All of this can become a precursor for loneliness, low self-esteem, and depression.
Other Possible Outcomes
Trying To Control People And Situations
Sometimes, when overwhelmed with fear and anxiety, it feels safe to grab control of as many factors as possible. This could involve intricate rules about how and when you socialize or try something new. At first, it may relieve some stress. Eventually, however, the attempt to control becomes another source of stress.
Difficulty With Friendships And Relationships
Close connections require vulnerability. To someone with social anxiety and/or a fear of failure, vulnerability is to be avoided at all costs. They are left facing a daunting choice. Do you dread loneliness more than you fear the perceived risks of humiliation? All of this adds up to big challenges when it comes to sustaining any kind of relationship.
How To Deal With Fear Of Failure And Social Anxiety
Healing commences when you honestly examine your habits and thought patterns. It’s not easy because you might equate any disorder with “failure.” But until you speak with a professional, it will be difficult to identify what’s going on and why.
Working with a therapist empowers you to better grasp how your perceptions are holding you back. From there, you can take safe steps that build awareness and flexibility. Your therapy sessions can become a road map to a fulfilling new life. Reach out today to learn more about anxiety therapy.
