Failure
"I’m fundamentally inadequate — I will always fall short."
2. What is this schema about?
The Failure schema is the belief that you are fundamentally incapable, incompetent, or a failure — particularly in areas of achievement such as work, school, or personal goals. Even if you’ve had success, it may feel undeserved or like it could collapse at any moment.
People with this schema often avoid challenges, give up early, or underperform, not because they lack skill, but because they expect to fail. Others overwork or overachieve to prove their worth — while still feeling like a fraud.
3. Key Points
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Persistent feeling of being a failure or inadequate
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Avoidance of achievement-based tasks due to fear of failure
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Chronic underperformance or burnout despite capability
4. Why the schema forms
Typically develops in childhood through repeated criticism, high expectations, or being labelled as the “underachiever” in the family. It can also form if caregivers compared the child unfavourably to others or failed to recognise effort over outcomes.
Unmet needs that shape this schema:
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Encouragement and praise for effort and progress
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Realistic expectations and emotional support for learning
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Safe space to make mistakes without judgment
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Belief in personal capability and resilience
💬 Reflection Prompts
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Were you often criticised or told you weren’t good enough?
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Did others around you seem “better” or more successful?
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Did you feel supported or shamed when you made mistakes?
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Do you avoid goals or challenges because you fear you’ll fail?
5. Potential impact of schema on the client’s life
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Underachievement or “playing small”
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Impostor syndrome despite real competence
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Avoiding risks or promotions due to fear of not measuring up
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Overworking to outrun feelings of inadequacy
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Low confidence in professional, academic, or personal abilities
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Comparing yourself harshly to others
6. Surrender / Avoid / Overcompensate Behaviours
Surrender
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Settling for roles below your potential
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Not trying new things due to fear of failure
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Deflecting praise or success
Avoid
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Avoiding competitive or high-stakes situations
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Procrastinating to avoid confronting possible failure
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Steering away from growth opportunities
Overcompensate
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Becoming a perfectionist or overachiever
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Constantly pushing yourself to “prove” your worth
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Criticising others to feel competent by comparison
7. Way the schema is shown in behaviour
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Downplaying your achievements
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Staying in jobs, roles, or relationships where you feel safe but small
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Focusing on flaws or mistakes over strengths
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Avoiding feedback or high-expectation environments
8. Way the schema is present in thoughts
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“I’m not smart/talented/capable enough.”
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“Why bother? I’ll mess it up anyway.”
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“Others are just better than me.”
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“I’ll be exposed if I try too hard.”
9. Potential positive impacts of challenging and changing the impact of the schema in your life
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More confidence and motivation to take on meaningful goals
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Willingness to take healthy risks and learn from setbacks
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Increased career or personal satisfaction
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Better ability to see strengths as well as growth areas
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A balanced self-view that embraces imperfection
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Reduced burnout or overwork
10. Healthy adult behavioural challenges to the schema
Behavioural Challenges to the Schema:
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Set a small but meaningful personal or professional goal
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Try something new without needing to excel at it
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Reflect on your past successes and what they say about your abilities
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Request feedback to learn, not confirm fears
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Take a risk in an area where you typically hold back
11. Healthy adult thought challenges to the schema
Thought Challenges to the Schema:
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“I can learn and grow, even if I’m not perfect.”
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“Success doesn’t require being flawless.”
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“I’ve succeeded in many things — this is just another step.”
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“Making mistakes doesn’t make me a failure.”
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“I’m not behind — I’m evolving at my own pace.”
12. How changing the schema will help you
By challenging this schema, you’ll start to feel less defined by perfection or failure. You’ll take on opportunities that once felt too risky or intimidating, and develop a more balanced sense of self-worth.