Fear of Success? What’s REALLY Getting in Your Way (And What To Do About It)

Really? Do some individuals have a fear of success? You bet! Success can be scary for some people. After all, what’s on the other side of getting what they want? Sometimes, the sailing isn’t as smooth as they hoped it would be, and it is cause for concern.

What may be some of the reasons people are fearful of success? Perhaps they are worried that there may be a change in family dynamics. Maybe they fear a change in friendships and relationships with coworkers. And maybe this measure of success could open opportunities they are not prepared to handle. And the list goes on and on.

If we’re honest, none of us want to face unpleasant outcomes secondary to success. Self-sabotage is the subconscious answer for those who are associate emotional pain with victory.

How so?

I’m glad you asked.

While some seemingly minor successes are okay, we may not want the attention associated with full-blown success, so we begin to procrastinate in our efforts. We drag our feet and slow the pace until promising opportunities pass us. We may not necessarily connect procrastination with fear, but when we are on the road to getting what we know we desire and then deviate for no apparent cause, there may be something deeper there. And it’s likely fear. We know that if we make the phone call, it will yield results, so we do everything but make the call. We may work on the project until we feel it’s perfect, when it could have been published or released months ago.

If you’re struggling in this area, there are things you can do right now to move forward:

1. Know that success is in the plan for you. You are here because you have been given another day to succeed. In fact, if you’re reading this post, you have a purpose for doing so. We were not created to fail but to be successful. Many people are channeling their efforts in the wrong direction. But assuming that is not you, you can be assured that the Creator’s plan for you is for you to fulfill His divine plan for your life. You have a choice to succeed.
2. Set your mind on how life will be better for you AND others in your life. Instead of focusing on the unknown (what may change in an untoward way) after success, focus on the good that can come from it. How would it make your life better? What would you be able to do and enjoy that you cannot right now? How could it affect the lives of those around you?
3. Help someone else get to where they desire to be as well. One way to begin to enjoy your success is to share it with someone else. Giving back is a wonderful way to honor your success and the people around you, too. Now, when I mention help someone else, I don’t necessarily mean giving possessions or material goods (and in some cases it may mean this), but rather become a mentor to those who are willing to be an apprentice. Though their aspirations may be different from your own, everyone can benefit from encouragement and help where approriate. In this way, success is replicated.

Don’t waste time imagining turmoil that may never come to fruition. Move steadfastly ahead and realize the success you’ve been working so hard to obtain. You will never regret it, but you will always regret it if you don’t.

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