Fear is one of our most basic human instincts , meant to protect us from all those dangers that could cause us harm and prompts us to act when a threat becomes imminent. And yet that same fear can also be an invisible chain that binds us and keeps us trapped. Instead of keeping us safe, it paralyzes us and prevents us from moving forward, taking risks or venturing out, having the courage to follow our dreams and create a lifestyle we ​​love.
The same instinct designed to protect us also holds us back. We sometimes call it anxiety, or worry, or just a general feeling of restlessness. Sometimes it looks like depression. Sometimes it’s just that we’re so busy that we can’t keep up. Sometimes we feel stuck and unmotivated.
Because it is important?
Ultimately, the fact that everyone experiences fear differently means that the path to overcome fear will be a little different for everyone as well. The reality is that most of our fear is happening unconsciously, inside our heads, often without us realizing it, and without our acknowledging that what we are feeling or experiencing is actually fear. Instead, we experience it as truth.
Here are the seven archetypes of fear:
1. The procrastinator
Also known as the perfectionist, the procrastinator archetype struggles the most with the fear of making a mistake, which often manifests as a fear of commitment or a fear of getting started. Ironically, on the surface, the procrastinator often exhibits behavior that appears to be the opposite of procrastination, such as planning things far in advance or trying to work ahead.
How it could slow you down: The procrastinator often finds himself paralyzed by indecision, especially when that decisive action must be taken quickly. The procrastinator prefers to spend an excessive amount of time researching, planning, or organizing, which can hinder progress when research, planning, and organization become a substitute for taking action.
Are you a procrastinator? You’ll know you can be a procrastinator if you never feel like things are ready, want to plan ahead, or have trouble committing or saying yes to things that are outside of your comfort zone.
2. The rule follower
This one struggles the most with an excessive fear of authority, a fear that often manifests as an irrational aversion to breaking the rules or doing anything that could be perceived as “not allowed,” and just the possibility of getting into trouble. , even when the possible “punishment” is only imagined, it is enough to prevent them from acting or moving forward.
How it might hold you back: You can avoid taking risks, especially when you’re not sure if there’s a “right” way to go, and your unhealthy fear of authority may prevent you from coloring outside the lines or trusting your own judgment.
3. The pleaser
Naturally drawn to seeking the approval of others, the People Pleaser archetype struggles the most with fear of being judged, which also manifests as fear of letting people down and fear of what other people might say. . Essentially, the biggest concern of the pleaser can often be summed up as the fear of how others may react.
Are you a pleaser? You’ll know you can be a pleaser if you often worry about looking foolish or being judged, worry about leaving other people out, or struggle to disagree when others share an opinion.
4. Outcast
The Outcast or Outcast archetype struggles the most with the fear of rejection or the fear of trusting other people, a fear that often manifests itself by rejecting others before they have a chance to be rejected.
Ironically, to outside observers, the outsider often appears to be fearless, the quintessential “strong individualist,” a person who doesn’t care what others think and who isn’t afraid to forge their own path, to speak their mind. or think outside the box and do things differently.
How it could slow you down: When taken to the extreme, the outcast can sometimes result in self-destructive or criminal behavior. However, on a day-to-day basis, you may struggle to ask for help or trust others or you may exclude people rather than risk rejection.
5. Self-doubt
Often plagued by a deep, sometimes hidden feeling of insecurity, the Self-doubter struggles more with the fear of not being capable, which often manifests as the fear of not being enough.
Because self-doubts are often concerned about being qualified or capable, they can be plagued by insecurity and uncertainty to the point where they are unable or unwilling to take action.
How it might hold you back: You may avoid trying new things or taking risks because you don’t believe in yourself or your abilities. Also, your propensity for jealousy and criticism, which ultimately comes from a place of feeling unworthy, can have an adverse effect on your relationships.
6. The Excuse Maker
Also known as the Blame Taker, the Excuse Maker archetype is the one that fights the most against the fear of taking responsibility, which can also manifest as the fear of being held accountable, or the fear of being guilty.
How you could stop it: You may get nervous at the thought of being in charge and uncomfortable making a final decision, for fear of being blamed for an unfavorable outcome. Your tendency to avoid responsibility can be frustrating to others, which can negatively affect your relationships, and you may be prone to blaming other people or circumstances for current struggles.
7. The Pessimist
Often a victim of circumstances beyond their control, the pessimist archetype struggles more with fear of adversity, which often manifests as a fear of fighting for difficult things or a fear of pain.
How it could stop you: You can get stuck in bitterness, feeling like you’ve been dealt an unfair hand. You may find it difficult to face your circumstances head-on, instead preferring to hide to avoid further pain. Ironically, this response often makes things worse.
