LOOK ALIVE 👀
YOUR REPEATING PATTERN
RESULTS ARE IN…
Looks like your partner in crime is…
THE MICRO-MANAGER
“You’re capable, reliable and the one people turn to when things need to get done right. You see what others miss, stay three steps ahead and carry a mental to-do list that never quite turns off. But under all that competence is a quiet hum of anxiety — because if you don’t manage it all, who will?”
Let’s be real though - this isn’t a flaw, its an adaption.
This part of you formed for a reason. It’s helped you cope, stay safe and make it through life when things got overwhelming.
It’s not broken — it’s brilliant and it’s probably a bit tired too.
How this pattern shows up
When things feel uncertain or out of control, your Micro-Manager part kicks in to restore order.
You might:
Over-plan or over-function when things feel get a bit shaky
Struggle to delegate or feel stressed when others don’t do it “right”
Get frustrated with inefficiency or chaos (even small stuff)
Feel responsible for everyone’s wellbeing, feelings or outcomes
Find it hard to rest, let go or just be — especially when there’s stuff to do
This part of you is constantly scanning for what needs fixing, tweaking or managing - all in the name of keeping things safe.
What it’s trying to protect?
Your Micro-Manager formed in response to instability, unpredictability or emotional risk. It learned that control = safety and the more you take charge, the less chance of things falling apart.
It’s protecting you from:
Feeling powerless or vulnerable
Being blindsided by disappointment or chaos
Letting others down or being let down yourself
Facing feelings you don’t quite know what to do with
It’s trying to keep everything (and everyone) in check — so you don’t have to feel what’s underneath.
How it might be holding you back
.When this part stays in charge too long, it can:
Burn you out from trying to manage everything yourself
Create tension in relationships — especially if you take on more than your share
Make you feel lonely, unseen or resentful (while still doing all the things)
Block flow, creativity, or vulnerability
Keep you from trusting others — or yourself — to handle the unknown
Hyper-functioning can feel strong but it’s also exhausting.
The superpower behind the pattern
When it’s not running the show, your Micro-Manager has a heap of strengths.
You bring:
Strong leadership and follow-through
A sharp eye for detail and big-picture strategy
Deep care and responsibility for the people around you
Clear boundaries, standards, and structure
The ability to create stability in messy or uncertain moments
You’re not controlling — you’re trying to create a world that feels safe enough to breathe in.
How to work with it differently
This isn’t about letting everything fall apart. It’s about learning to trust that you don’t have to hold it all alone.
Try this:
Notice when you start gripping. Is your body tense? Jaw tight? Breath shallow?
Name the instinct. “I’m trying to manage this because I don’t feel safe.”
Check what you’re afraid might happen if you don’t take charge.
Ask what you need. Support? Rest? Reassurance? Permission to not be perfect?
Try a small release. Let something be messy. Let someone help. Let go — just a little.
Trust is built in the letting go.
🧩 Humans are complex — your Micro-Manager might also recognise…
The Inner Critic — holding yourself (and others) to relentlessly high standards
The FRACer — stepping in to fix and take charge when others feel overwhelmed or emotional
Over-functioning — doing more than your share to feel in control or avoid chaos
Egotism — pulling back into control or planning to avoid emotional vulnerability
👉 Curious how your patterns connect? [Explore the others here]
