Is Having Anxiety a Superpower or a Hurdle?
I listened to “Your Anxiety needs a Product Manager” from The Anxious Achiever, this morning, and the interviewee mentioned that she didn't believe anxiety was a superpower. I had recently written a blog post advocating the opposite viewpoint, so I was intrigued. Being a Product Manager with a love for frameworks, I decided to use the SWOT analysis framework to determine if generalized anxiety could be seen as a superpower for a PM. Here's my personal take on the matter:
Strengths (S):
Attention to Detail: Anxiety often makes individuals hyper-aware, leading them to notice minute details that might be overlooked by others. This can result in thorough product specifications, QA testing, and feature implementation.
Preparedness: Those with anxiety usually anticipate a wide range of scenarios, potentially allowing them to be better prepared for unexpected challenges.
Empathy: Understanding personal anxiety can foster deeper empathy for team members or end-users who might be facing stress or challenges. This empathy can lead to a more user-centric product design.
Drive for Clarity: To mitigate anxiety, one might seek clear communication and definitions, which is beneficial in product management for setting expectations and avoiding misunderstandings.
Indeed, this describes me perfectly. This clarity especially benefits the gaming sector, rife with ambiguity. Such foresight has saved me from numerous potential pitfalls, thanks to my brain's natural inclination towards worst-case scenario planning.
Weaknesses (W):
Analysis Paralysis: Overthinking can lead to inaction. Spending excessive time pondering over decisions might result in missed opportunities or slow project advancement.
Burnout: The constant worry and stress associated with anxiety can lead to quick burnouts, affecting overall productivity and well-being.
Avoidance: Certain stressful situations, conflicts, or challenges might be avoided rather than addressed, which can lead to unresolved team issues or product problems.
Over-Cautiousness: While caution is good, excessive caution due to anxiety might stifle innovation and risk-taking, essential elements in the tech world.
It's crucial to monitor these, especially since I often grapple with burnout. Succumbing to these pitfalls can severely bruise one's self-esteem, leading to depressive episodes and feelings of worthlessness. I recommend identifying and addressing these signs early on. Simple acts, like taking a walk or interacting with pets, can disrupt this negative spiral. I also found 15 Commitments to Conscious Leadership uplifting and transformative. More recommendations can be found in my Reading List section.
Opportunities (O):
Personal Growth: Recognizing and addressing anxiety can lead to immense personal growth, improved coping mechanisms, and resilience.
Team Bonding: Sharing personal challenges with the team (where appropriate) can foster trust, understanding, and stronger team dynamics.
Advocate for Mental Health: Personal experiences can empower one to advocate for mental health resources and practices within the organization.
Feedback Loop: By regularly seeking feedback due to self-doubt, one might inadvertently establish a useful feedback loop, improving the product and processes.
Furthermore, I believe this makes us incredibly resilient. Our constant battle with the "what ifs" and the looming sense of dread requires immense mental strength. This resilience sets us apart from those who haven't faced such challenges.
Threats (T):
Perceived Incompetence: If not managed, outward signs of anxiety might be misinterpreted as a lack of competence or confidence in one's role.
Relationship Strain: Anxiety-induced behaviors like constant reassurance seeking or reluctance in decision-making might strain relationships with peers or superiors.
Personal Health: Chronic anxiety can lead to physical health issues, which might result in increased absenteeism or reduced efficiency.
Rapidly Changing Tech Landscape: The fast-paced, ever-evolving nature of technology can exacerbate feelings of anxiety, especially if there's a fear of falling behind or not keeping up.
It's crucial to prioritize self-care, as unchecked anxiety can be debilitating. One point from the interview, about the death of the ego, resonated deeply. Battling these feelings head-on isn't the solution. I highly recommend The Anxious Truth and How to Think Like a Roman Emperor for managing and overcoming anxiety.
In conclusion, anxiety can be both a boon and a bane. It's about perspective and how you leverage it. Embracing my neurodivergence and harnessing it positively has been transformative. As William Shakespeare once said in Hamlet, "Nothing is either good or bad, but thinking makes it so." I cherish this quote as it encapsulates the genesis of anxious thoughts. If we remove these labels and face challenges objectively, anxiety's grip loosens. Sending love and strength to all on this journey. You are not alone! ❤️❤️❤️
