Impaired Autonomy & Performance

The domain where fear of failure, dependence, and identity instability take root.

Overview

This domain forms when a person’s early experiences taught them that they can’t trust themselves — to succeed, to be safe, or to function independently.

Instead of developing internal confidence, they develop internal doubt.
They second-guess decisions. Avoid challenges. Or over-attach to others for direction and reassurance.

At ShiftGrit, we see these schemas in clients who feel blocked, incapable, or like they’re "too much" or "not enough" for the world around them.

Schemas Within This Domain

Each schema below reflects a different breakdown in confidence, autonomy, or identity stability:

• Failure: “I’m destined to fall short.”

• Dependence/Incompetence: “I can’t do it without help.”

• Vulnerability to Harm: “Something bad is going to happen.”

• Enmeshment/Undeveloped Self: “I don’t know who I am unless I merge with others.”

How This Shows Up

People operating from this schema domain may:

• Avoid new challenges or roles

• Experience shutdown under pressure

• Doubt their ability to succeed

• Stay stuck in co-dependent relationships

• Over-attach to external structure or validation

How We Treat This

We work to retrain the belief system that says autonomy is dangerous or impossible. Our process includes:

1. Mapping the identity loop: Belief → evidence pile → compensatory behaviour

2. Reconditioning the root: Using imaginal exposure to target the shame/fear loop

3. Restoring agency: Building safety around healthy autonomy and self-leadership

🔗 Related Lifetraps in This Domain

• Failure

• Dependence/Incompetence

• Vulnerability to Harm

• Enmeshment/Undeveloped Self