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#1
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Fear of Failure
Common problem but any ideas on dealing with a young adult who does not apply himself in a jew job, apparently because he thinks he is too qualified and is afraid if he doesn't succeed?
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#2
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Re: Fear of Failure
Here are a few ideas, other forum participants may have other ideas:
I hope these ideas are useful. Let us know how it goes or what additional questions you have. |
#3
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Re: Fear of Failure
Just a little thought about the "pros and cons" technique. In my experience many (most) clients naturally tend to focus on the pros in such an exercise and take an "I'll jump that fence when I come to it" approach toward the cons. Often this means that the immediate "positive" consequences of some rather maladaptive behaviours and decisions (e.g. substance abuse, impulsive behaviour) outweigh the more long-term positive consequences of adaptive behaviour.
Therefore I have experimented with doing "cost- analyses" of the options instead. This seems to have the advantage of bringing home the message that avoiding all costs and adversity is impossible. Secondly, the long-term negative consequences (cons) of mal-adaptive behaviour are usually clearly more severe than those of the adaptive behaviours (usually more of the "have to forgo avoidance/relief/ pleasure etc. type), thus framing the problem in a way which is promoting adaptive behaviour. So, in the case of the young person, I would probably explore the question what is the cost of avoidance of possible failure (e.g. missing out on opportunities...) versus the cost of non-avoidance (e.g. feeling of anxiety). I would collaboratively explore whether the client's hopes/ dreams, personal values and asociated goals are thwarted because of the avoidance behaviour and whether these dreams and goals are not worth having the anxiety if that's what it takes to pursue them.
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Dieter Dvorak |
#4
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Re: Fear of Failure
This sounds like a covert narcissistic response and if you integrate a psychodynamic understanding of laziness this sounds like it would fit the individual.
Laziness is seen as an approach to ward off a fear of failure and shame. Shame is the underlying characteristic of narcissism and this client's belief that he is too qualified certainly seems to fit with this. If this is a common thread throughout all his/her working life then it may indicate underlying narcissistic schemas that are hindering him/her from moving forward. Beck et als. CBT for Personality Disorders gives a good understanding of the treatment for such a diagnosis. The client really won't move forward until this is identified as a means of coping with the world. Best of Luck |
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