Fear of Success

You wouldn’t think anyone would fear success; after all, don’t we all want to be successful?  However, it is a problem for many people, and I think I’m dealing with it right now too.  If you break it down, fear of success is really a combination of fear of responsibility, exposure to criticism and loss of identity.

In my case, I want this blog and my other online ventures to be successful, but I also worry that I can’t handle the work, the responsibility to write useful and accurate content, the added exposure I will have online as I attract regular readers.  One reason I’m writing this blog is to learn how to deal with these issues, hopefully I’ll take my own advice.

Fear of responsibility

With success often comes increased responsibility and the stress of maintaining the success.  It means more effort in maintaining social and business relationships.  It means keeping on top of problems and devising and directing the solutions to those problems.  All of this adds more stress points to your life

Fear of exposure/Fear of criticism

The more successful you become the more exposed you and your business are to criticism.  Of course the opposite is true as well, you will also be open to compliments, kudos and thanks.  But some people are also uncomfortable accepting complements.

Fear of losing your identity

Even if you are unhappy with your life as it is, you are on some level comfortable with where you are.  Or at least it’s just easier to stay as you are than try to change.  But you’ve lived in your skin for a long time and your identity is firmly set, it’s scary to think of yourself in a different way.

What are you afraid of?

If something is holding you back from taking action or making a change in your life, consider whether you are afraid of success.  You could have other fears holding you back as well, and I’ll discuss many of them in the coming days.  Meanwhile…

What’s the solution?

Change is very difficult, most often people change because their backs are against the wall and they don’t have any choice.  But if that’s not the case, the easiest way to make changes is to do it gradually.  When you take small steps, the stress level is lower, you have an easier time growing accustomed to the emotional changes you experience and adjustments in your self identity.

Today’s Action Item:  Break it down.  Instead of trying to take major steps, how can you break them down and proceed gradually?  Take one tiny step today.