The Fear Of Success - Do You Think This Is Real?

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You read that right. The fear of failure is talked about a great deal. Have you heard about the fear of success? Do you think this is real?

I don't know about you, but I believe it is very real. Let me give you a few reasons why I feel this is so and you can come to your conclusions.

5 Outcomes From The Fear Of Success

When people achieve success, there is pressure, real or imagined that they have to continue that trend. If it becomes stressful, several things could happen.

  1. The subconscious mind may try to sabotage progress
  2. Initial success can lead to complacency
  3. Perhaps one feels that the success achieved is good enough
  4. There is the temptation to take a break
  5. Here is the killer - fear of failure could set in that leads to indecision

Ask yourself, have you experienced these or related symptoms when you have achieved any one of your goals along the way to your ultimate goal?

There are times one can feel not deserving of success. This can occur during those times when you feel success came too easily. It can even occur when you do not even meet your first goal.

Sadly, when one fears success, the tendency is to not even try to become successful; I know that when you "try" to do something, the chances are you will fail.

Steps To Break The Fear Of Success

Can I ask you a loaded question? When you are afraid of something, don't you do your utmost to avoid it? What is preferable. The fear of failure. Or the fear of success.

I think that it is far better to be afraid of failing. The chances are you will do whatever it takes to avoid failure. Don't get me wrong.

When we fail because we stretch ourselves towards our goals, that kind of failure is a good failure. We can learn why we failed, take corrective action, and move forward.

We can also fail by doing nothing. Or by sabotaging our plan of action. This is what I call bad failure.

It's All About Habit

To become successful, and able to sustain that progression requires a total commitment to one's long-term goals.

I watched Roope Kiuttu's webinar on his plans for 2022, link below:

https://my.wealthyaffiliate.com/classes/building-your-busine

He taught many important lessons. But one stood out. If what you are doing today is not taking you towards your goals, then chances are you have to change your habits.

Oftentimes, this demands that you have to give up spending time doing things that you like. You begin this process by rearranging your priorities.

Once you create a daily plan of action that you designed to move you forward towards your goals, it must be followed.

Repetition of the steps of your plan every day will develop the good habits necessary to make your plan work.

Until the actions of your plan become second nature, it will take much longer to achieve your goals, if at all.

Think And Grow Rich

In the spring of 2020, I wrote a series of 14 blog posts here as a book study of the iconic work, Think and Grow Rich, by Napoleon Hill. Here is the link to the introductory post, which includes links to the subsequent posts. This post has 238 comments that indicate the interest it generated.

https://my.wealthyaffiliate.com/edwinbernard/blog/think-and-...

The book contained a secret to success that was never spelled out. We had to discover what the secret was ourselves. Without giving up the secret, I can reveal it has a lot to do with habits.

This book was published in 1937 and its message for entrepreneurs holds true today. If you haven't read it, I strongly urge you to do so.

Vanquishing The Fear Of Success

We all have the power to vanquish the fear of success. Success is a state to be embraced and pursued. As we move towards our goals, it is OK to do new things to find out what works and what doesn't. Failure will be part of that process.

Along the way, you will discover the occasions for success will become more commonplace. Once that occurs, following the plan you created will become routine and a truly enjoyable experience.

Closing Thoughts

Here's the takeaway.

When you enjoy doing something, you want to do more of it. You will know when that tipping point occurs. When it does, you will be well on your way to achieving your goals.

Please tell me what you think about the points I made. And share any lessons connected with fear that you feel will benefit us all.

I wish you much success in your affiliate marketing journey. If you have it, go and vanquish the fear of success!

Cheers.

Edwin

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Recent Comments

35

Thanks for this, Edwin.

I finally discovered that I had an issue with fear of failure / self-sabotage not long ago. It is such a killer! Fear of failure (or of success..) almost guarantees you will not succeed.

Recognizing it is more than half the battle, I have found. I still have to fight through it, somewhat, but now at least I can do something about it. It just becomes a matter of retraining the brain. Have a firm talking-to with it, once in awhile, until it gets in line and on board!

Craig

Great to hear from you Craig.

I like your concept of retraining the brain. Some call it reprogramming. It all ties in with changing habits.

Thanks for your comment.

Edwin

Neuroplasticity, yes! I try to make a regular habit of it, and it works.

Craig

Excellent post Edwin!

Hi Kyle,

I appreciate your comment immensely. When I write stuff like this I am addressing an audience of one. Myself. There is a lot I must do to follow my own advice. At least I know where I stand and can do a great deal about it.

Cheers.

Edwin

It is very real, Edwin
Sometimes it is the lifestyle and stress that comes with it
As well as our limiting beliefs that stand in our way of achieving this goal

Hi Simone,

Thanks for your fine comments. You hit another nail on the head by citing our limiting beliefs. If we can't believe we can achieve our goals that is a self-fulling prophesy. By doing that we have programmed our brains to fail.

Think about it. If we don't believe we can succeed at say affiliate marketing, then we should not even start and do something else. This is not for everyone.

However, I am convinced you do believe you can succeed. Our lapses in belief should be only temporary.

All the best to you.

Edwin

That's s powerful response, Edwin
Thank you for sharing

An awesome read, Edwin! You seem to be clicking on all cylinders, my friend! Keep succeeding as you continually move forward!

Jeff

Hi Jeff,

Guess who was my primary target audience. Myself! Thanks for liking this post.

I am finishing up my Christmas affiliate post, tonight. Then I am hightailing it to my first video posts using my iPhone, It is more powerful than my $200 laptop. Also, the camera is way better.

There is something in the air that tells me I am at a pivotal moment. The only option is to go full bore forward.

I appreciate your comment. By the way, Kyle even commented on this post. It was a first for me.

Cheers.

Edwin

That sounds like an excellent option, Edwin! Full speed ahead, my friend!

Jeff

Yes it is real I have spent years dealing with it

Hi Barry,

Thanks for commenting and sharing that this is real.

Cheers.

Edwin

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