The Hidden Enemy: How Fear of Success Sabotages Your Potential

Happy Friday!

As professionals, we're conditioned to strive for excellence. Yet, for many, the moment success begins to be right where you can touch it, a mistake happens or something derails your progress. The truth is, many struggle with a secret fear of actually doing well. A deep-seated fear takes hold – a fear of success itself. This can derail careers, limit wealth accumulation, and steal away genuine happiness.

What is Fear of Success?

Fear of success is a complex mix of anxieties. It doesn't mean you want to fail. It may be that you get too preoccupied with the consequences of achieving your goals. Of course you want good things, but you also worry about what comes next.

This looks like:

• Fear of Increased Responsibility: "Can I handle the pressure?" What if success equals insane workloads and mega-stress? Will success bring overwhelming pressure and burnout?
• Fear of Judgment and Criticism: "What will people think?" Will everyone be judging me, waiting for me to slip up? Will achieving more, make me a target for scrutiny or harsh feedback?
• Fear of Isolation: "Will my life totally change?" Will I lose friends? Will my success create distance from friends, family, or colleagues?
• Fear of Losing Authenticity: "Will I be different?" Will I have to become someone I'm not? Will I have to change who I am to fit into a new environment?

The Cost of Unchecked Fear/ Sneaky Self-Sabotage Alert

This fear doesn't always look obvious. It's more sneaky, it drives subtle forms of self-sabotage:

• Procrastination on Key Projects: You leaving important work to the last minute, ensuring it won't be your best. Suddenly, cleaning the fridge seems way more important than finishing up that big work project.
• Undermining Accomplishments: Dismissing praise or downplaying your role in positive outcomes. "Yeah, that promotion was cool, but it was mostly luck..."
• Missed Opportunities/Passing Up the Good Stuff: You avoid applying for promotions or decline projects that could elevate your career. You could even turn down chances to shine because, hey, who needs that headache?
• Imposter Syndrome: That nagging feeling you're a total fake and everyone's gonna find out.

Overcoming Your Fear of Success

First step – admit it's happening! Recognizing the fear is the crucial first step. Here's how to move forward:

1. Trace the Roots: Think back to past experiences. Were you criticized for standing out as a child? Did past success bring unwanted changes? Identify the origins of your fear. Digging into your past is important. Were you ever told to "stay in your lane" as a kid? Sometimes our fears come from old stuff.
2. Visualize the Worst Fears = Worst Case Scenario - Write down ALL those awful things that might happen if you're wildly successful. Are they really that bad? Often, our fears are exaggerated. Once you write down your worst-case scenario and look at it, are they really that scary.
3. Challenge Negative Beliefs: Attack Those Inner Voices Telling yourself, "I'm not good enough" is not based in reality. Replace that thought with "I'm learning and growing!" Thoughts like, "I don't deserve success" or "People won't like the successful version of me" are limiting beliefs. Reframe those thoughts with positive ones and hold on.
4. Embrace Gradual Growth: Baby Steps You don't have to conquer the world in a day. Small wins build confidence. Take small, consistent steps towards your goals.
5. Find Your Support System: Your Squad is Key Find people who believe in the REAL you and will help shut down that inner critic. Talk to trusted mentors or therapists. Let them help you see your strengths and counter your inner critic.

True Success Doesn't Mean Selling Your Soul

Success doesn't have to equal unhappiness or isolation. True success is about having a life you love -with- the money, cool career, AND awesome relationships. It's about being your best self. True success lies in creating a life aligned with your values and talents. Yes, it involves wealth, but it must also include personal fulfillment and meaningful connections.

Don't let fear trick you into playing small. . By acknowledging and challenging your internal resistance, you unlock the potential for a richly rewarding career and life.

Here's where you can take action.

• List one time you let fear keep you from success.
• What will you do differently in the future?

Fear is a mindset that can be overcome. That is what having the Millionaire Maker Mindset is all about.

Easier said than done? I've got a whole system called Doubt Killers. I share some amazing tools that you can keep on your phone or at your desk for times that doubt, anxiety and fear try to convince you that you are not the amazing, talented, phenomenal person that you are.  

Next Friday, the focus is Fear of the Unknown: The world can be complex and intimidating. Do you avoid taking action because you don't know what to do or you just don't want to make a mistake? Make sure to come back next week.

Remember: Subscribe to this newsletter (if you haven’t already) and shift to the Millionaire Maker Mindset for your next $1,000,000 this year.

Last week's post was about fear of failure. If you missed it, make sure to check it out.

Before I go, here are a few more resources:

Need a jump start? How To Do EVERYTHING You Want .

Need help making the right connections? Networking For Life

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You can do it! I’m here to help.

-Michelle