So, this is how I define two type of anxieties:<p>Real anxiety : My brain is telling me that I am not capable of dealing with the situation I am getting into. For example let's say the project I am given in my company is way above my skill set, so my brain is giving me fair warning and maybe I can take this warning and be prepared better (learn more on required skill?)<p>"Fake" anxiety : This is my brain just being lazy and always wanting to stay in its comfort zone. For example, the project I am given is not that complex but is new, so even then my brain will have anxiety and would like to get out of it. Imposter syndrome might be another reason for this anxiety.<p>The problem is how to classify any upcoming anxieties in these two buckets so that I can push through one and accept/backout in the other one.<p>Do you have some mental model for this? Also do you also face this issue?<p>Edit : I think this even applies to general life situations too.