We all have fears that hold us back in all aspects of our lives. Our career is no different. So, the question is, which fears might be blocking your career development?
In this enlightening TED Talk, Ruth Soukup shares 7 fear archetypes which may help in understanding your fear profile and what may be holding you back.
The 7 archetypes are:
The Procrastinator
This is the perfectionist. The person that is always researching and tweaking everything. Often having a fear of commitment or getting started. On the positive side, these people are very good at what they do and have great attention to detail.
The People Pleaser
These are the people that go with the flow and don’t rock the boat. They worry about being judged or letting people down, resulting in problems saying ‘no’ or setting boundaries. But they get along with people and are well liked by their peers.
The Rule Follower
There is a right way and a right path to follow The guidelines are there, and the rule follower has trouble seeing outside of this. Which can be an interesting one when there is a set image in the mind as to what career development should look like. This creates worry when there are no guidelines or paths to follow. On the flip side, they excel when they have the guidelines or framework, they excel in the execution.
The Outcast
Are the ones with a fear of rejection. And often reject others before there is the chance to be rejected in the first place. On the positive side they are very independent and driven to prove themselves.
The Self Doubter
These are the people with insecurities and a fear of not being enough. The ones with the negative self-talk that is on repeat in their minds. But they are also usually very sensitive and empathetic.
The Excuse Maker
Very smart individuals who are astute observers of other people. They struggle to share their own opinions for fear of being blamed or held accountable. Rather than be the decision maker, they prefer to be the one behind the decision maker. For example the friend that never recommends a restaurant in case it’s rubbish.
The Pessimist
Has often experienced pain, trauma or adversity in the past and holds themselves back for fear of that repeating. This can be seen as one of the hardest to work through but also the most temporary.
Why is understanding your fear profile important?
Knowing what your fear profile is important in identifying what may be blocking your career development. The thing with seeing this is that you become conscious and aware of these fears. And in doing so you are then able to do something about it. You have the ability to make choices with this knowledge. ‘Without diagnosis, there can be no cure’.
As you’ve read through these there’s likely more than one that has resonated with you. That’s because there is a sliding spectrum for each so your profile is made up of the mix of these. And they may change over time. Keeping this in mind, and your fear profile in your consciousness, fears may not be the career development blockage they once were.
To see Ruth talk through these fears, here is the full 13-minute TED talk.
And if one of your fears is making the ‘wrong’ career decisions, you might find our article that Career decisions are not for life useful. Or if you want to see more TED Talks we have shared. Check them all out here.
