Fear of Success
What is the fear of success?
Fear of success is a psychological phenomenon that makes you feel unsettled when you think about achieving big goals or reaching high. As a reason, instead of aiming high, you subvert your talents, keep the chances of success low, and self-sabotage yourself to limit the potential negative outcomes of succeeding.
What is the potential fear related to? Success comes with potential consequences, such as the possibility of outshining others, new responsibilities, or lifestyle changes. For some people, the idea of achieving goals is strongly related to those consequences – anxiety-provoking thoughts block them from seeing success in positive ways. Very often, they are not even aware of the self-sabotage.
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Fear of success – Example
You’ve always wanted to start your own business. You’re excited about the idea, but when the opportunity comes to take that first big step, you hesitate. Without even realizing it, you might start to think of reasons why “it’s just not the right time” or why “you need more experience.” In reality, these doubts might just be fears of success coming through as self-doubt or procrastination.
Causes of the fear of success
Educational research suggests a vast array of reasons for the fear of success.
In the 1970s, psychologist Matina Horner found that social expectations, especially around gender, can make people anxious about success. Her research suggested that women sometimes fear success because they worry others will judge or reject them. Although times have changed, people still worry about how success might affect their relationships or how others see them.
Another strong factor is self-doubt, often tied to impostor syndrome. Psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes found that individuals with impostor syndrome often believe they don’t deserve their achievements and feel a constant fear of being exposed as “frauds.” This mindset can lead to self-sabotage, as they avoid success to prevent the possibility of failure or judgment. This cycle of doubt keeps them from fully embracing their own capabilities and accomplishments.
For some, the fear of success comes from the pressure that success brings. Achieving a goal can lead to higher expectations, which can feel overwhelming. Many people worry they won’t be able to keep up, or that new responsibilities and shifts in personal relationships will become difficult to manage. As a result, they may unconsciously hold themselves back to avoid the stress that comes with greater expectations.
Negative beliefs and past experiences can also play a role. If someone has faced a negative outcome, such as criticism or hardship, after achieving success, they may develop a fear of repeating those experiences. Additionally, poor self-efficacy, or a lack of belief in one’s ability to handle success, can contribute to this fear.
Unconscious influences, like expected norms or societal pressures, can also lead individuals to associate success with negative consequences. Individuals with shyness or social anxiety may fear succeeding due to a reluctance to be in the spotlight, as this could lead to potential judgment or embarrassment in social situations. These thought patterns can be deeply rooted and may result in self-sabotage or self-destructive behaviors that prevent a person from reaching their full potential.
Overall, understanding the causes of fear of success involves a combination of self-awareness and reflection on personal and societal influences. Recognizing these factors is an important first step in overcoming this fear and achieving personal growth and success.
How to know you are afraid of success
Fear of success can show up in subtle ways that affect how you act, often without you realizing it:
Procrastination: Putting things off, especially those that could lead to big wins, can sometimes be a sign. You might delay starting that project or miss deadlines—not because you’re lazy, but because part of you feels nervous about what happens if it actually goes well.
Not setting big goals: People who fear success often avoid setting high goals or limit their ambitions. Instead of going for that big opportunity, they choose something smaller and safer.
Avoiding the spotlight: If success means standing out, you might shy away from it. For instance, if you have social anxiety, the idea of being recognized or praised can feel stressful, making you avoid situations where you might excel.
The effects of fear of success
Fear of success can affect many areas of life, especially your mental health and career. When people struggle with this fear they often sabotage themselves without even realising it. This can stop them reaching their professional goals and miss out on opportunities.
One of the biggest problems with fear of success is increased stress and anxiety. Constant worrying can take its toll on your mental and physical health. So you may feel overwhelmed, anxious or even depressed and can’t enjoy your achievements at work or feel like you’re making progress in your career.
Another problem with fear of success is impostor syndrome. This is when you question whether you really deserve your achievements. It can make you play down your successes or shy away from new opportunities like promotions or exciting projects. This cycle of self-doubt can keep you stuck in a pattern of self-sabotage and stop you moving forward in your career.
Women in particular may face additional challenges due to societal expectations and gender norms. These can amplify self-doubt and make it harder to go for big career goals or speak up for yourself in the workplace.
So, fear of success can keep you stuck in a cycle of negative thinking and behaviour and low expectations and unhealthy habits that hold you back in your career. Get to know and deal with these feelings and you’ll achieve career success and happiness.
How to overcome the fear of success
Overcoming the fear of success begins with recognizing that the fear is there in the first place. Start by asking yourself what about success makes you anxious. Is it the pressure to maintain high performance, the idea of change, or perhaps something else? Understanding what specifically holds you back is a huge first step in working through it. When you can pinpoint your exact fears, they tend to lose some of their power.
Next, take a closer look at your beliefs about success and challenge the ones that feel limiting. Ask yourself whether your thoughts around success are actually true. For instance, if you worry that achieving your goals will make people like you less, think about role models who are both successful and well-liked. Positive examples can help shift your mindset, making it easier to believe that success doesn’t have to come with negative consequences.
Another helpful approach is to set small, realistic goals that build up to larger achievements. Instead of diving straight into a huge, intimidating goal, break it down into smaller steps. If your dream is to write a book, for example, you could start with short stories or a blog. Each small win helps you build confidence, making the path to bigger success feel less overwhelming and more manageable.
Visualizing positive outcomes can also be a powerful tool. Take a moment to imagine yourself reaching your goals and experiencing the good that comes with it. Think of the positive impacts success might bring—like new opportunities, personal growth, or financial security. Visualization can help make success feel less intimidating and more within reach, giving you motivation to move forward.
It’s also important to lean on your support system. Friends, family, or mentors can offer encouragement and help you stay grounded when doubts creep in. Talking to someone who believes in your abilities can remind you why you set your goals in the first place and provide the extra boost you need to stay committed.
Finally, practice self-compassion along the way. Remember, you don’t need to be perfect to be successful. Success comes with ups and downs, and mistakes are a natural part of the journey. Celebrate your small victories and recognize the progress you’re making, however gradual it may seem. By being kind to yourself, you create a healthier relationship with success, one where you’re free to grow without the weight of perfection.
Fear of success is more common than you might think, and you’re not alone in feeling it. The key is to take small, steady steps forward, celebrating each milestone and learning as you go. With patience and self-compassion, you’ll find yourself moving toward your goals with more confidence and even excitement.
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