Where this topic came from: in recent chats with colleagues, both inside and outside my team, the problem everyone kept raising was “insecurity.” Its sources are mainly changes in the internal and external environment and the broader market trend, plus some business changes within the company. Together these factors bring uncertainty and insecurity; here I mainly discuss ways to break the deadlock.

Insecurity usually has two sources, and when they mix together they amplify each other. One is the external environment: when the industry enters a contraction, the organization adjusts frequently, and growth slows, opportunities become fewer and feedback becomes slower. The other is internal comparison: someone always seems to be progressing faster and in a better position, so we misread the general pressure brought by the environment as “I’m the only one who isn’t good enough.” The solutions to these two kinds of anxiety are not the same — first figure out which one it is, then decide how to respond.

Prepare your own feelings

First take stock of the elements of work, then look at the source of the anxiety.

  • The elements of work: people, things, money. How do you feel about each of these three? What about the environment and benefits, and the atmosphere and direction of the work?
  • Does my insecurity come mainly from the external environment (business development, the broader market, company changes), or from comparison with others?
  • What do I think about the development and stability of the current business?
  • What have I been envying in others lately? Specifically, is it an ability, an opportunity, or just a slice?

Points to discuss

From “where the anxiety comes from,” to “how to break the deadlock,” and on to life and health.

  • Observations about the broader environment: how to view the development and changes of different internal businesses? What about the development and stability of the current business?
  • About my own career development:
    • Job stability; the career development path within the company.
    • How to adjust my expectations more reasonably so they match objective reality?
    • About the focus of planning, and side projects.
    • “Stretch the timeline to ten years” — shift the judgment from “has this quarter made progress” to “will I still care about this direction ten years from now.”
  • Solutions for environment-driven anxiety: align expectations with objective reality; extend the time horizon; build support for life that does not depend on work (planning focus, side projects, exercise, or hobbies).
  • Solutions for comparison-driven anxiety: extract information from comparison rather than a verdict — what specific ability am I envying? Am I seeing a complete process or just a slice? Is it related to the direction I’m currently practicing?
  • About my own life and mental health: what hobbies and interests do I have? What travel plans do I have? How do I relax on weekends and on ordinary days? How do I think through and ease anxiety?

One exercise: break down “the other person always explains things clearly” into — did they write an outline first? Did they know the audience’s questions in advance? Is there a feedback loop? If what you lack is a preparation method rather than talent, you can set a small exercise: before your next talk, first write down the goal, the conclusion, and the likely follow-up questions in three sentences, then ask a peer to pick out the least clear part.

Gripes and feedback

  • I feel uncertain about the business and the company’s prospects, and I don’t know whether I can go far here.
  • I always feel that others are progressing faster than me.
  • I want to talk about life, hobbies, and ways to relax.
  • And ＿＿＿＿＿＿

The conversation does not require forced confession: you can talk only about the impact on work — “Lately, because of constant comparison, I find it hard to judge what I should practice next. I’d like to work together to find two observable abilities and one practice opportunity” — without disclosing private experiences or accepting any advice driven by shame or competition. If persistent anxiety significantly affects your life, sleep, or safety, please contact qualified local professional support, emergency services, or someone you trust.