These 3 Signs You’ve Grown Up Too Fast, According to Psychologists

Youth must pass for old age to come. A seemingly simple adage that says a lot about the importance of certain moments in life. Childhood and adolescence are indeed crucial stages in everyone’s personal development. Periods conducive to carefreeness but also to experimentation or self-discovery. But for some, these key moments of personal development are experienced in a very different way.

This is particularly the case for those who have grown up too quickly, due to several circumstances, a phenomenon often characterized by the hurried child syndrome. This characterizes children who have been pushed to perform and take on responsibilities at an early age and often to the detriment of their personal development needs. While this may lead to exceptional results in the short term, it is a situation that can have sometimes detrimental consequences throughout life.

The impact of “hurrying child” syndrome on adult life

As people move into adulthood, the impact of the pressures and demands experienced during childhood can manifest themselves in different ways for those who have grew up too fast. Enough to impact not only behaviors, but also emotional reactions and the general well-being of people with busy child syndrome.

In the columns of Forbespsychologists identify the three signs that show that you were a “hurried child” and the impact of this syndrome on your adult life. Among these, specialists mention the risk of becoming a perfectionist adult, which can be a sign of a deeper fear.

A panic fear of failure

A study published in 2019 in the journal Frontiers in Psychology reveals that “rushed children” tend to become perfectionist adults. While this may seem like an asset in certain situations, this character trait actually reveals a panic fear of failure. Psychologists believe that this is a reaction of children who have grown up too quickly, faced with high demands, and will tend to set high expectations for themselves, reproducing the adult pattern. A perfectionist tendency that can manifest itself in several forms in adulthood.

Psychologists believe that some people can become paralyzed by a fear of failure and the fear of making mistakes. This can lead people to avoid risk taking and to procrastinatefor fear of not achieving “perfection”. There is also a form of withdrawal into oneself which consists of fleeing from the challenges and new experiences that arise. This can stifle learning and self-improvement through experience, which can be problematic both personally and professionally.

Finally, this panic fear of failure and these perfectionist traits can lead to a risk of burnout. This relentless pursuit of excellence can lead to physical and emotional exhaustion, making it difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Difficulty enjoying rest

The inability to relax and enjoying downtime as an adult may be a sign that you’ve grown up too fast. This is one of the signs that characterize children who have not been able to enjoy play without supervision or without pursuing a specific goal of success, as reported by Forbes. In adulthood, this can lead to a feeling of guilt when it’s time to rest.

A constant search for productivity that can reveal a fear of wasting time and have an impact on personal balance. The systematic search for tasks or projects to keep busy can quickly lead to a form of physical and mental exhaustion. The same is true when it comes to enjoying a hobby, a moment that can be perceived by those who have grown up too quickly as a new pressure source.

Instead of providing a moment of relaxation, hobbies become places of accomplishment where the emphasis is on skill development. According to our colleague, people who grew up too quickly may have difficulty enjoy the present moment and see their minds occupied by what must be done next. A mentality of permanent anticipation which plays on personal balance.

A lack of creativity and difficulty in expressing the child within

Children who have been subjected to constant performance demands and have not been able to enjoy unsupervised leisure time may have difficulty expressing their creativity and inner child as adults. Here are some ways this trait that characterizes children who have grown up too quickly can manifest itself. Whether it is for professional or personal needs, some people may struggle to think outside the box when it comes to tackling a new challenge. A personality trait that can lead to thinking in a more conventional and linear way.

In a similar logic, the rejection of play activitiesconsidered frivolous, can lead to limiting the spontaneity of adults who have grown up too quickly. A form of rigidity likely to stifle creative expression and the pleasure of experiencing unexpected moments. Behaviors that can have an impact in the professional sphere where innovation is an essential driver of development. So many situations that can be faced by those who have grown up too quickly and which are not irremediable for all that. It is not never too late to reconnect with the child within us and to thrive.

A journalist passionate about social issues and current affairs, Hugo puts his pen at the service of information. Interested in all themes, from the impact of artificial intelligence on …