Imposter syndrome, procrastination, perfectionism: Why we fear?

In today’s fast-paced, AI-driven, and always-connected world, we’re constantly bombarded with information from social media, news, and other digital sources. This overwhelming influx often leaves us grappling with unresolved fears and anxieties that linger in our minds – sometimes for years.

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As we navigate this complex landscape, many of these fears remain unaddressed, compounding and affecting our well-being.

One of the keys to resolving fear is to recognise that everything we do has a positive intention, even when the behaviours may seem counterproductive. These “secondary gains” often prevent us from acting or breaking free from limiting patterns, but with the right guidance from a hypnotherapist, they can be addressed and transformed.

Fears and anxieties can have a profound negative impact on both social and work lives. These include fears of flying, performing, public speaking, failure, rejection, enclosed spaces, the dark, needles, not being able to have a ‘life’ without alcohol, vaping, and smoking, to name only a few.


Fear-based issues and why they happen

Here are some common issues I see in my NLP and hypnotherapy practice related to fear and anxiety, and the positive intentions behind them.

Imposter syndrome

Many people experience feelings of being a fraud, worrying that they will be “found out” or deemed unworthy of their achievements. Imposter syndrome is often fuelled by a fear of judgment or rejection. Its positive intention is to push the person toward excellence or protect them from harsh criticism. However, this constant doubt creates stress and anxiety, preventing the person from truly embracing their skills and successes.

Procrastination

On the surface, procrastination seems like a bad habit, but it often serves the purpose of protecting us from potential failure. For many, procrastination shields them from the emotional pain of disappointment or rejection. The fear of failure is a powerful force that keeps people stuck, avoiding the risk of failing or making mistakes. This pattern, while seemingly unhelpful, is the mind’s way of keeping you safe from harm.

Low self-esteem/not feeling “enough”

Low self-esteem often stems from a fear of vulnerability. The positive intention here may be to avoid situations that could lead to humiliation or rejection. By not putting themselves out there or pursuing goals, people with low self-esteem believe they are protecting themselves from emotional harm. But over time, this only reinforces feelings of inadequacy, trapping them in a cycle of self-doubt.

Perfectionism 

Perfectionism is driven by a fear of not being good enough, but it serves the positive intention of striving for high standards and avoiding criticism. Perfectionists believe that if they achieve flawlessness, they can escape rejection or failure. Unfortunately, this often leads to constant stress and an inability to ever feel satisfied with their accomplishments.


Harnessing hypnotherapy to overcome secondary gains

Working with a professional hypnotherapist, who is experienced in NLP, offers a powerful way to uncover and address the hidden drivers behind fears, anxieties, and limiting behaviours. You can explore these underlying intentions, reframe them, and replace unhelpful patterns with positive, goal-oriented strategies, creating lasting change.

For ‘imposter syndrome’, the positive intention might be to avoid judgment or rejection. A healthier alternative could be focusing on self-acknowledgement and celebrating achievements, allowing you to accept and appreciate your skills without the fear of being “found out.”

Looking at ‘procrastination’, this often aims to protect you from the fear of failure or disappointment. By reframing, a healthier alternative might be developing a habit of time management and goal setting. By breaking tasks into manageable steps, you can experience small wins, building confidence while still feeling secure.

‘Low self-esteem’ often stems from a fear of vulnerability or rejection. Through reframing, you can work on building self-compassion and self-care routines that promote inner confidence, reducing the need for external validation and strengthening self-worth.

The positive intention of ‘perfectionism’ is usually to avoid criticism or ensure approval. A healthier approach is learning to embrace progress over perfection, setting realistic standards and accepting that mistakes are part of growth. This shift allows for high performance without constant pressure.


Further reading

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The views expressed in this article are those of the author. All articles published on Hypnotherapy Directory are reviewed by our editorial team.

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Ashford TN27 & TN26
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Written by Nigel Jones
Hypnotherapist, Life Coach, NLP: Habits, Anxiety, Sleep +++
location_on Ashford TN27 & TN26
Author of the best-selling habit change book 'Walking Back To Happiness'. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nigel-Jones/e/B0B7RP6LH6/ Leading hypnotherapist & NLP Practitioner, Nigel specialises in helping clients overcome obstacles and move forward. "It’s not a question of whether I can help you- it's about how we can work together to solve your problem."
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