What No One Tells You About the Fear of Success

In today’s progressive and rapidly moving world, where individuals keep on thinking of better and innovative ways to improve their CVs as well as resumes. It is sort of conflicting that a lot of them do fear to enhance and succeed in life. Also, it is not the fear of success as in the results of which they are afraid but the journey and path that they have to overcome to accomplish and achieve that particular goal.

It can exceed to such an extent that people will end up sabotaging themselves. While success and accomplishments are what is desired the most by a lot of individuals due to their ambition as well as a Goa; to have a luxurious lifestyle a lot of individuals find it very threatening to their freedom and initial desires which they have to sacrifice for the sake of so not guaranteed success.

Read More: Why Knowledge is not enough for Success

So fear of success is particularly not about the end goal or succession they will have in their life but about the sacrifices and compromises they have to make to achieve that goal in their life and enduring the losses. That is why say, “Keep your eye on the prize and avoid getting distracted by small wins. The big winning is yet awaiting. This comes with a huge responsibility and dedication towards the work they want to pursue.

Restless nights, not much partying or maybe sitting tight for. Along run even though that ass hurts but keeping the mind straight on the goal. Fear of success can easily be misunderstood with fear of failure. Fear of failure is generally described as you fail because you have bombed out whereas in the case of fear of success, you are in but you are lethargic and don’t react positively towards your triumph. It can also be said as success anxiety or success phobia. 

Read More: The Psychology Behind Success

Fear of Success _ Aka Acheivemephobia 

Whatever you choose to call it whether success phobia or success anxiety the overall conclusion is you can’t enjoy your success and achieve it due to lack of enthusiasm. Thus even though it sounds familiar it is a pretty odd concept and is as real as the Marian Trench of the Pacific. It is less frequently discussed, but it can deeply root itself in the mind, often appearing in surprising and subtle ways. Unlike other fears, it remains latent.

Individuals can’t discover it themselves until a point comes where they end up procrastinating, self-sabotaging and avoiding taking any kind of risks for their career build-up. They will only recognise this behaviour after a few inspections and external feedback.

Associations of Fear of Success 

People with the psych of fear of success often exhibit certain symptoms which include:

• Being successful puts them into certain situations where they can’t even handle the failure and sometimes end up building in anxiety, guilt and high pressure to achieve the things they want yet can’t work 
• Too much self-sabotaging behaviour where they build up habits destroying themselves 
• Imposter syndrome is seen in individuals, which is often confused with modesty 
• They put off their tasks and procrastinate the important things and work.
• Avoid and skip the opportunity they are being provided with 
• Seeking perfectionism 

Read More: Perfectionism, Procrastination and Paralysis

Reason Behind the Fear of Success 

It sounds very uncertain: why would someone fear success? Why would someone hesitate to work on the life they want? Why won’t someone want the actual luxuries in their life? Who would want that and destroy themselves to the core? This fear which makes us arise with too many questions and pragmatic concerns exists within a bunch of individuals rooted in numerous psychological as well as social factors. 

1. Fear of Backlash

The idea of FOMO is highly appreciated in society, sometimes individual feels like they will be missing out on a lot of things that they are supposed to do just by scarfing things. Not only this people avoid certain positions just because they have to move out somewhere and it might make them give up on certain responsibilities.

2. Imposter Syndrome

People even after having so many accomplishments in their lifespan whine call them overachievers and doubt themselves. This success and excessive attention among all increase the expectation of others as well s they’re loved due to which they feel too much of a burden and end up procrastinating the work.

3. Childhood Trauma

As such a nurturing where a child learns the goods as well as the bas sometimes end up getting hurt so deeply that leaves behind a scar and haunts him or her throughout the lifetime. When you are not being appreciated for the work and the success you achieve you ultimately feel the need to drop it off.

4. Other Reasons

• Social anxiety 
• Perfectionism 
• Too much of expectation 

Read More: 10 Subtle Reasons You are Procrastinating Always, According to Psychology

Overcoming the Fear of Success and Treating It Well 

First of all to treat the fear of success one itself needs to discover it very well. Identifying the root cause and origin of this psychological development is very imperative just to treat it tentatively. One has to accept and acknowledge they have the fear of success. First step acknowledge it. Then only you can find the solutions to it and overcome it for life achieving the desired goals and living the life you have dreamt of always.

Second pen down what makes you fear success is it success or the obstructions you need to overcome just to achieve the goal? Challenge the negativity and approach it with optimism set realistic goals and gradually start pushing yourself. Eat the frog and sail through the ocean smoothly. If one is feeling too much of a burden try it lighten it by seeking help. Practice self-compassion.

1. Exposure therapy 
2. Cognitive behavioural therapy 
3. Visualisation of life after achievements 
4. Learn to deal with stress and overcome burnout by making yourself happy 

Read More: How to Define Success for Yourself: The Power of Personal Goals

The insight thus drawn from the whole article is that fear of success is complex and often misunderstood by individuals but is not difficult to overcome. It can make it hard to achieve your goals and overcome the hurdles. But it in itself is a hurdle that might come along and prove to be detrimental if not treated on time strengthening the coping mechanisms and being optimistic will do only good and help you to levitate.

One has to consider that it’s okay to be not okay sometimes. But it’s not okay to be not okay in the long run. You can’t just run amok from your goals and desires and be a pussycat. Taking professional health when necessary is a crucial step here. This success isn’t only about reaching the finish kine bit to embrace the whole journey you put through just to get what you wanted and accepting the rewards and challenges, blooming boastfully as a result.

FAQs

1. What is the fear of success?

The fear of success is a psychological condition where individuals avoid achieving their goals due to concerns about the potential consequences. This includes worries about increased responsibilities, higher expectations, changes in relationships, or feeling overwhelmed by the pressure that success might bring.

2. How do I know if I have a fear of success?

Signs include procrastination, avoiding opportunities for growth, self-sabotage, feelings of imposter syndrome, and being overwhelmed by the idea of achieving success. If you feel anxious or hesitant about succeeding, despite being capable, you may be experiencing the fear of success.

3. Why do people fear success?

People may fear success due to the added responsibility and expectations that come with it, concerns about how success will change relationships, or the pressure to maintain or exceed past achievements. It can also be linked to subconscious feelings of unworthiness or a fear of the unknown

4. How can I overcome the fear of success?

Overcoming the fear of success involves acknowledging the fear. Challenge negative beliefs. Set realistic expectations. Take small, manageable steps toward your goals. Building self-compassion, seeking support, and reframing your thinking about success can also help you move past these fears.