While we all can understand success in a different way, we pursue it in our lives. But then, especially as we get closer to our victory, we might suddenly get very anxious. Sometimes, we can even sabotage ourselves.
While this seems like a paradox, it can be an expression of fear of success. The fear of success can seem strange. After all, why should we be afraid of doing well? But there are different reasons behind it.
First, we might be afraid of the things that accompany success. You might attract attention, having critics and haters, or face unexpected hurdles that you do not know how to handle yet.
Secondly, it can make you worry about small mistakes and the criticisms they may attract. What if you don’t do it perfectly, and it all comes crashing down? What if you mess up and others will call you out for it? This fear can stand in your way to success. So, how can you overcome it?
1. Use positive self-talk
Don’t accept your fears as reality. You can also use positive self-talk to challenge these ideas. Focus on the positives in regard to your abilities and achievements and in regard to success. Maybe things will go wrong, but what if they don’t? And even things go wrong, what makes you think you won’t be able to handle it?
You might try to remain optimistic instead of believing in the things your anxiety tells you. Challenge your negative ideas.
Remember, “There is no illusion greater than fear.”
2. Look out for opportunities
Your fear of success might be preventing you from seeing certain possibilities. Consider what you might be missing.
Are there tools, opportunities, or people around you that could help you reach your goal?
Are there things you could be doing? Are there options you could be using?
Take a good look and make sure you are taking advantage of all the opportunities around you.
3. Do it anyway
Sometimes, the fear will stick with you, but this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t strive for success anyway. You might try to fake it till you make it – take action as if the fear wasn’t there, and keep working for the things you want.
It can be challenging to go against this fear, but it can help you face it head on and see that you can do better than you ever expected.
4. Talk to others
The fear of success can be challenged with the help of other people. Talk to those who have achieved what you want, if you can, and if not, seek out what they have said about their own success.
Others have been where you are, so you can draw from their experience to find ways to handle your own. Talk to your friends and loved ones about your doubts and ask for their emotional support on this journey. It can help alleviate your fears of success and find someone to dispel the ideas that might be keeping you down.
5. Focus on what you want
Even if your fears are founded, remind yourself of what you want to get in the end and how much you value it. Whether you are looking for financial stability, recognition, a solution to a problem, or any other thing, it can serve to motivate you despite the fears you might have.
Stay connected to the reasons why you are doing what you are doing and why it’s worth it anyway.
6. Stay in the present
Sometimes, our fears are associated with things that might or might not happen in the future. Allow yourself to stay focused on the present. If these things happen, you will deal with them.
If you need to prepare, you can prepare, but there is no reason to become consumed with worries about the future. Keep your mind anchored to the here and now, doing what you can to improve your situation and bring success closer.
7. Plan your actions
A good idea is to build a plan for the future.
What will you do, and how will you do it? What are your next steps?
Focusing on this can help you feel in control and alleviate the anxiety of thinking too far ahead.
So, are you afraid of success?
