FEAR THESAURUS

INADEQUACY



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HELPFUL TIP:

A deeply embedded fear often stems from trauma, so it can be helpful to explore emotional wounds that may be a factor. Your character might also become risk-averse, which can create problems in their relationships and limit their fulfillment. And for a character to achieve their story goal, they must overcome any fear-based thinking that's holding them back. The Character Builder is a great resource for pulling all these factors together.
NOTES:
The silver lining of personal shortcomings is that they provide opportunities for growth and teach us the importance of asking for help. But not everyone is comfortable admitting their weaknesses. A character who fears inadequacy (or the perception of it) will engage in behaviors that distance themselves from others and limit their success—ironically, bringing about the very thing they fear.

WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE:
Staying in their comfort zone 
Choosing safe goals
Driving conversations toward the topics they know a lot about
Making excuses for turning down ambitious opportunities
Privately consulting self-help resources
Lying to cover up their shortcomings
Needing to know exactly what's expected of them before they commit
Avoiding activities and situations that don't play to their strengths
Avoiding people who excel in areas where the character is weak
Striving for perfection to prove their capability
Double- and triple-checking their work before submitting it
Using social media to highlight their successes and show how they're living their best life
Overspending to create an appearance of having it all
Clinging to past accomplishments
Avoiding competitions or contests they're unlikely to win
Overly inflating their strengths to hide their weaknesses 
Not seeking advice or help from others; handling everything on their own
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COMMON INTERNAL STRUGGLES:
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FLAWS THAT MAY EMERGE:
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HINDRANCES AND DISRUPTIONS TO THE CHARACTER'S LIFE:
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EMOTIONAL WOUNDS IT COULD STEM FROM:
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SCENARIOS THAT MIGHT AWAKEN THIS FEAR :
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HUMAN NEEDS THAT COULD BE IMPACTED:
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GOALS MADE DIFFICULT BY THIS FEAR:
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CONFLICT SCENARIOS THAT OFFER GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES:
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HOW THE CHARACTER CAN MINIMIZE OR OVERCOME IT:
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