In a recent conversation with my coach, I found myself reflecting on a pattern I’ve noticed in my life, which I’ve coined “Fear Fixing.” It struck me that this default mode might resonate with many of you.
Fear Fixing is that instinctual response to immediately seek solutions to potential problems or fears, often before fully acknowledging or processing the emotion itself. It’s the mental gymnastics we do to preemptively avoid failure or discomfort, sometimes at the expense of fully experiencing our emotions or exploring the root causes of our fears. This pattern can be deeply ingrained, often stemming from societal expectations and gender roles that place a premium on women-identified folks being caretakers, problem-solvers, and peacekeepers.
Click on the video below for more about “fear fixing.”