Functional Fear: The High-Functioning Way to Hide

20/05/2025 9 min
Functional Fear: The High-Functioning Way to Hide

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Episode Synopsis

Send us a textWe explore the concept of "functional fear," a subtle form of avoidance that masquerades as productivity and responsibility. This sneaky pattern keeps high-achievers on a narrow, controlled track while appearing successful and put-together on the outside.• Functional fear differs from obvious fear by appearing as structure, routine, and responsibility• This pattern keeps you productive and comfortable while limiting genuine growth• Signs include excessive micromanaging, a perfectly organized diary, and climbing ladders without questioning them• The cost includes burnout, prioritizing the wrong things, and hiding your authentic self• Questions for self-reflection: what keeps confusing you, what do you push down your list, what excites YOU• Consider what tools you lean on just to keep going that might actually be forms of avoidance• Identify where you're creating elaborate plans but taking no actionDrop me an email at [email protected] or send me a DM on Instagram at thecompletioncoach.If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave me a review and subscribe! And if you want to learn more from me, come and say hello on Instagram @thecompletioncoach or via email at [email protected] or find out more about working with me on my website, thecompletioncoach.co.uk.