• Do you ask others what to do so you don’t make a mistake?
• Do you naturally get stuck thinking doom and gloom scenarios? 
• Do you often feel like an imposter despite all your accomplishments?
• Do you doubt your competency and ability to handle challenging situations?
• Does your mind spontaneously go back to the past and dwell on troublesome situations?
• Are you very careful about what you’re saying, how you’re saying it, and what you’re doing so you don’t make mistakes?
• Do you do your best to think optimistically and positively even though your mind keeps coming up with negative thoughts?

If these scenarios sound familiar, you are playing it safe. 

At one point or another, we all play-it-safe when feeling stressed, worried, or anxious. We overthink stuff, avoid making decisions, postpone activities or act in ways that minimize our discomfort right away.

I call those ways of thinking or acting playing-it-safe moves. 

Sometimes those ways of thinking and those actions are adaptive responses. However, if your playing-it-safe moves become habitual and you don’t check how they work in your life, you are at the risk of getting stuck in your head and undermining your own best interests.

Pausing to reflect on your playing-it-safe moves and how they might be holding you back is the first step towards enjoying a more joyful and meaningful life.

In my work, I have identified 10-playing-it-safe moves that we all rely on, but when going unchecked and used often, keep us living a contradiction between the life we want to live and the life we’re living.

Take 10-minutes to complete the Playing-it-safe questionnaire and figure out:

1. Your playing-it-safe profile
2. Which playing-it-safe behaviors keep you stuck.

Your playing-it-safe profile will give you the awareness you need to stop living small, stop relying on ineffective playing-it-safe moves, and start living with purpose every day you’re awake.

This comprehensive questionnaire is designed to help you identify the specific type of anxiety your child or teen may be experiencing. By taking a few minutes to complete it, you’ll gain valuable insights into your child’s emotional well-being.

Early recognition of anxiety symptoms is crucial. It allows for timely intervention, which can significantly reduce the risk of developing more complex anxiety disorders. This proactive approach can make a substantial difference in your child’s long-term mental health.

As you work through the questions, you’ll likely become more aware of your child’s emotional needs and behavioral patterns. This increased understanding can strengthen your ability to provide targeted support and create a more nurturing environment at home.

It’s important to note that while this questionnaire is a powerful screening tool, it is not a diagnostic instrument. The results should be used as a starting point for further discussion and evaluation. We strongly recommend consulting with a qualified mental health professional who can provide a comprehensive assessment and, if necessary, develop an appropriate treatment plan tailored to your child’s specific needs.

By taking this step, you’re demonstrating your commitment to your child’s emotional well-being and taking an active role in supporting their mental health journey.