Signs Being Type-A is Actually Anxiety

In undergrad, I proudly wore the “Type A” badge. I was the person sitting in the hallway after taking a test, flipping through my notes to pinpoint which answers I got wrong. I would obsessively recalculate my GPA, trying to figure out how every class and assignment would impact my academic goals. I kept meticulous logs of my workouts, food intake, and sleep. Beneath it all, though, was an intense anxiety—fear about the future and the constant worry of whether I was doing enough to make my dreams a reality. Racing thoughts such as “Was I smart enough to get into a PhD program? How will I pay for graduate school? Where will I move?”

At the time, I didn’t realize that what I thought was my Type A personality was actually anxiety running the show.

Now, as a therapist working with many high-achieving clients, I see this pattern all the time. They describe themselves as “Type A,” and, to their credit, that mindset has helped them get to where they are now. But they’re surprised when they meet their career goals but are still experiencing burnout, imposter syndrome, and anxiety.  When we dig deeper, we discover that their relentless drive and perfectionism aren’t just personality traits—they’re symptoms of underlying anxiety.

If you’re someone who identifies as Type A, read more to see if you might also be experiencing anxiety.

1. Your Productivity Feels Like a Security Blanket

High achievers often thrive on structure and organization, but when productivity becomes a coping mechanism, it can signal anxiety. Do you feel uneasy or even panicked when you’re not being “productive”? Do you equate your self-worth with how much you accomplish in a day?

Anxiety often tricks us into believing that if we’re not doing enough, something bad will happen. This may be true if you work in a high-stress job. There might be consequences for not meeting billable hours or meeting your quarterly sales goals. Productivity then feels safe but can also lead to burnout and reinforces overworking.

2. You Can’t Stop Overthinking

Being detail-oriented is often celebrated as a Type A trait, but when it turns into constant overthinking, it’s a different story. Maybe you replay conversations in your head, wondering if you said the wrong thing, or spend hours making decisions because you’re terrified of getting it wrong. You second guess if you made the right clinical decision or if the brief you filed was correct.

This overthinking doesn’t just waste time—it also creates a mental load that can leave you exhausted and emotionally drained.

3. You’re Driven by Fear of Failure

High-achieving individuals often push themselves to succeed, but anxiety can add an edge of desperation to that drive. Do you constantly feel like you’re one mistake away from everything falling apart? Are you terrified of failure—not because it’s disappointing, but because it feels catastrophic? For most of my clients, they appear to be confident and have it all together on the outside but internally it feels different.

This fear can make you hyper-vigilant, second-guessing every step you take to ensure nothing goes wrong. Instead of striving for success out of passion or ambition, you might be striving out of fear.

4. Your Schedule Is Packed, but You Still Feel Like It’s Not Enough

Many Type A individuals are known for their full calendars, but anxiety can turn a packed schedule into a way of avoiding stillness. If you find yourself constantly taking on more—whether it’s work projects, social commitments, or personal goals—you might be using busyness as a way to avoid uncomfortable feelings.

Anxiety thrives in the quiet moments, so staying busy can feel like a way to keep it at bay. But the problem is that this approach often leads to burnout, leaving you more anxious than ever.

5. Your Self-Care Feels Like a Checklist

Type A personalities often pride themselves on their discipline, even when it comes to self-care. But if your self-care feels rigid and perfectionistic, it might be fueled by anxiety rather than genuine self-compassion.

For example, maybe you track your workouts, meals, and sleep so meticulously that missing a day feels like failure. Or maybe your meditation and journaling practices feel like obligations rather than something that genuinely nourishes you.

6. You Feel Like You’re Always “On”

Do you find it hard to relax, even when everything seems to be going well? Anxiety often creates a sense of hyper-vigilance, making it feel impossible to fully let your guard down.

You might find yourself constantly scanning for potential problems or trying to prepare for every possible scenario. While this might look like being proactive, it can also be a sign that anxiety is keeping you in a constant state of “fight or flight.”

7. Your Success Feels Empty

One of the most telling signs that your Type A tendencies might actually be anxiety is when your achievements don’t bring you joy. If you find yourself reaching goal after goal but still feeling unfulfilled, it’s worth exploring what’s driving your ambition. I remember in graduate school that my achievements always felt anti-climatic.

When anxiety is the motivator, success doesn’t feel satisfying—it just temporarily quiets the fear before it resurfaces with a new worry or goal to chase.

What to Do If This Sounds Familiar

If you’re reading this and thinking, “This sounds like me,” you’re not alone. Many people who identify as Type A are actually managing anxiety without realizing it. The good news is that there are steps you can take to address it:

• Practice Self-Compassion: Instead of judging yourself for feeling anxious, try to approach those feelings with kindness. Remind yourself that it’s okay to rest, make mistakes, and prioritize your well-being.

• Set Boundaries: If you tend to overextend yourself, practice saying no to commitments that don’t align with your values or goals. This can free up time for rest and relaxation.

• Incorporate Mindful Practices: Yoga and meditation can help calm your nervous system, making it easier to manage anxious thoughts.

A Final Thought

Being Type A isn’t inherently bad—many of these traits, like ambition and discipline, can be incredibly valuable. But when they’re driven by anxiety rather than confidence or passion, they can take a toll on your mental health.

Recognizing that your Type A tendencies might actually be anxiety is the first step toward creating a healthier, more balanced life. So, if you’re someone who’s constantly striving, worrying, and pushing yourself to do more, consider giving yourself permission to slow down and explore what’s really driving you. You deserve to live a life that isn’t just productive but also fulfilling.

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Need more support in managing anxiety? I’m Dr. Molly Moore, a licensed psychologist in Austin, TX who specializes in working with high-achieving women who experience anxiety, imposter syndrome, and burnout. Not in Austin, no problem! All services are provided online. Reach out today to get started!