How To Conquer The Fear Of Success (Or Failure)
The fear of success is a counter intuitive mindset. It's one of those things in life that keeps us stuck in a rut or in a downward spiral. Part of us wants to do something and another part says we shouldn’t. So, how can we break the cycle?
In this article, I'm going to share with you some theories in overcoming fear of success.
Change your level of conscious awareness
In the 1970s, the most successful ad was a single frame image of Coca Cola placed within a movie which lasted 1/24th of a second. It appeared so fast that not everyone might have seen it properly.
Despite its speed, half the audience headed out to the candy bar to purchase their Coke after the movie and likely didn’t question why.
The exposure is so short that it is below the level of conscious awareness of the people. Because they didn't realize they have been triggered, they didn't have any defense.
So, the trick to overcoming the fear of success is to begin changing your level of conscious awareness around these subjects. As much as possible, try to build up your resistance.
It is common for people to fear forging ahead and standing out, especially if those things meant affecting their family, relationships, or life’s status quo. Others may fear failing or change, so they remain stuck, stagnant, and often miserable.
Become more aware of your behavior and their reasons. Give yourself the space to forge on. Back yourself, and take the leap towards success.
Humans are extraordinary problem-solving machines but once we experience fear, the mind that makes us so powerful begins to derail us.
Let go of what you fear you may lose
When I decided to become an entrepreneur, I knew I’d have to evolve, take on more pro-active personality traits, and learn new skills. One of my identified fears was speaking to strangers. At the same time, I figured that if I were to become successful in my new venture, I need to have positive communication and interpersonal skills.
Those are two different things and just the idea of making the switch made me feel very uncomfortable.
I realized, however, that I had to rise above that and create my success. I needed to move forward and accept what might happen.
I had to release my attachment to the things I was afraid of losing for me to start overcoming the fear of success.
See Also: 5 Things You Need To Get Rid Of To Become Successful In Life
Play out the worst-case scenario
The more you hide from potential pain, the more you fear it and the more power it has to stop you in your life. So for me, I painted a worst-case scenario and played it through.
What’s life going to look like 1 or 20 years from now? What type of person am I going to become? Where will I end up if I don’t follow my own true worth and passion?
Take on the responsibility
Fear of success is a reflection of your fear of other people’s reactions to your achievements. This is often coupled with the fear of responsibility.
Since these things can easily slow you down, don’t let other people’s opinions place doubt in your mind. Stand your ground in a proactive way and be steadfast on your path to success.
In life, you can be pro-active or reactive. When you’re reactive, things will pan out the way you’re afraid they will. When you become pro-active, you take control, become empowered and start attracting the people and opportunities that will support your success.
Embrace change
Ultimately, the fear of success is the fear of change. You can’t predict or control it but you can choose to be optimistic, work on your conscious awareness, and believe this path is going to be better.
I have found this to be absolutely true. You can’t do it if you’re not willing to surrender to what’s going to happen.
Find out for yourself. Let go and see what life delivers.
See Also: The Call for Change: Time to Step Out of the Comfort Zone
