Do you operate like a high-achieving firstborn (even if you’re not the actual firstborn)?
Does it feel like your quest for perfection constantly gets in the way of good enough?
Are you always giving your very best, but still feel you could have done better?
If you do, you may be suffering from what I call the “perfect storm” of past-life fears.
Judgment is the past-life fear that causes you to have an excessive concern about how people perceive you, or what they say or think about you.
And it can make you hyper-sensitive to criticism.
Inferiority is the past-life fear that results from having been treated as lesser in an earlier incarnation.
It will give you self-esteem issues to deal with in this life.
When these two fears collide, you have the perfect storm.
Worrying about being seen as incompetent, and being desperate to avoid criticism, you might become the person who works into the wee small hours to ensure a report is flawless.
You might even be what’s often labelled as a perfectionist, or worry that eventually people are going to “see through you.”
The imposter syndrome that affects so many people in the workplace is the fear of inferiority (low self-esteem) exacerbated by the fear of judgment. Its sufferers often feel unqualified compare to others.
Yet, even when they get a master’s degree or another certification, the symptoms don’t go away. That’s because the fear is irrational, and stems from past lives, not the current one.
The key to healing is, of course, to uncover the past lives that caused the fears of judgment and inferiority in the first place.
When you do, it doesn’t mean you suddenly stop trying to excel, or settle for less than you’re capable of accomplishing.
The past-life healing simply ensures that your desire to achieve or do well comes from a healthy place, not one of fear.
And it frees you up from worrying about others so you can start focusing on the things that make you happy.
Are you battling the perfect storm? I’d love to hear your story below.
Ainslie, All I can say is Yes! I totally concur and have often wondered myself why some people are never content with their achievements…..(I can put self in that category) and why others who have never seen the inside of a college classroom are the most self-assured and confident souls.
I have clients with three degrees who feel “unqualified.” Unless they address the underlying past-life fear, there’s not much can be done to change that feeling.
This is me to a “T”! It also makes me “sabotage” myself because I have the feeling that it’ll fall apart anyway, so maybe I should control the when and how! Very hard to overcome when I had a very critical parent as well in this life. Have never felt “good enough”.
Good point, Barb. Self-sabotage is a big part of it. Gives you some level of control.
Good atrticle, I’m 75 years young and old soul I retired from doing workshops, but find I’m bit bored, volunteer a lot have done workshops around your books which I enjoy, as an Wanderer I guess something else will come up. Keep up all your good work, blessings, Jollean
Thanks, Jollean. Keep up your good work too!
I have imposter syndrome, low self-esteem and I can’t stand criticism. I’ve got a perfect storm for sure! I hate that I talk so bad to myself. I have been doing better the past few months, however. I made it a goal in 2017 to be nice to myself and to treat myself with love and respect. Some days are better than others. But I forgive myself, change the next day, and talk nice to myself.
I love it, Kristie. Don’t beat yourself up – just make sure you keep moving on.
Yes, yes, yes Ainslie! You nailed it for me. Really working on this right now, so perfect (LOL) timing. I’ve worked with you on other past life issues but not this one. I also realize well after our sessions that I do experience what you mention, but have not connected with it and then boom it’s in my face. Usually in a very CLEAR way.
We’ll overcome that perfect storm next time, Liz!
What you have described was me for most of my life. I struggled with trying to be like people I respected. It turned out I am the one they looked up to. I followed my interests and held several high positions in several organizations – some volunteer and one elected. When my husband and I divorced, I felt the freedom to be me. At the same time I was asked to fill a position of managing a program with 15 board members. I was their “leader” and was highly respected for what I did. I retired and settled into a life of being me. A few years ago, in my early 70s I had three sessions with Ainslie. Learning about my past life made a huge difference because now I had explanations for why I felt the ways I had. Since then I feel very good knowing that in this life time, I successfully battled the “perfect storm” and have made good progress for my soul in this lifetime. Thanks, Ainslie!
You battled and overcame the perfect storm, Carolyn. There’s so much spiritual growth in doing that.
I appreciate the affirmation.