6 benefits of an anxious temperament

This time, I’m adapting a text found in an online psychology journal.
It discusses an anxious (restless) temperament, which is most commonly associated with the Big Five personality trait theory. I have written about this topic before in my article -on Big Five-, and as a quick reminder, the model consists of the following traits:
O – Openness to experience 
C – Conscientiousness
E – Extraversion
A – Agreeableness
N – Neuroticism / emotional sensitivity
This text focuses on higher levels of neuroticism as a temperamental trait, rather than a clinical disorder.
So, without further ado – here is the translation / adaptation:

We often treat anxiety as a curse, feel ashamed of it, and try to “fix” it. It seems that only people with steel nerves can succeed in today’s world.
But anxiety also has its advantages.
Some of them are described by journalist Scott Stossel in his book “My Age of Anxiety”.

🎨 Anxiety as the temperament of artists and creators
True art often emerges from emotional sensitivity and inner struggle. The ability to perceive subtle nuances in mood, language, and meaning is often linked with anxiety.
Many artists have transformed their anxious temperament into creative fuel.

🧠 High anxiety is often associated with intelligence
Research suggests that elevated anxiety is more common among highly gifted individuals.
Anxiety can encourage:

• constant self-reflection
• deeper analytical thinking
• search for better solutions

However, excessive anxiety may also suppress risk-taking and exploration.

💼 Anxious individuals tend to be more reliable workers
They are often:

• conscientious
• detail-oriented
• organized

They carefully consider consequences and avoid unnecessary risks.

🤝 They often align better with social norms
Fear of mistakes or conflict can make anxious individuals:

• more polite
• more cautious
• more loyal in relationships

🛡️ Lower risk-taking, fewer accidents
Anxious people are less likely to:

• engage in dangerous behavior
• take unnecessary risks
• end up in accidents or conflicts

🚀 Anxiety can support success
​Although it may seem contradictory, cautiousness and self-criticism can be powerful advantages.
In many areas, anxious individuals:

• manage risk better
• evaluate situations more carefully
• avoid costly mistakes

Translated from Anton Soldatov's text on the page 'Psychology for Advanced'

all THOSE things every day...