Are you afraid of success?
It seems counterintuitive to be worried about finding success in your life.
As strange as it seems, though, you might actually be afraid of success. You might say you want to succeed or be the best version of yourself. But when it comes right down to it, you have nagging fears surrounding success.
If you aren’t quite sure why you’re having trouble with a breakthrough, stop and consider: your fear of success might be holding you back — even if you don’t realize that’s what you’re afraid of.
Check to see if you demonstrate some of the following five signs that you’re afraid of success:
1. You Worry About Leaving People Behind
What happens if you grow and the people around you remain stagnant? Do you worry that a friend or family member might end up left out?
While you want to make sure you maintain a proper balance with your loved ones — especially if you have children — the reality is that sometimes you end up spending less time with certain folks.
If you are growing and expanding, there’s a chance that you might not hang out with those who are complacent, or who don’t share your desire to reach for lofty goals. You might be afraid of success if it means changing up your social circle, or if you feel bad that someone won’t remain as big a part of your life.
2. You Worry About the Responsibility
Often, business success comes with increased responsibilities. Do you worry about what happens if you have manage more people? What if you have higher taxes? Can you deal with the money that comes?
If you secretly think you can’t deal with the responsibility that comes as you grow, you might be afraid of success.
3. You Think Others Will Treat You Differently
There’s a reason I’m still reluctant to share my income with people. I don’t want them to ask to borrow money or take other steps to treat me differently.
You might also worry that others will either treat you better or worse when you achieve success. It’s hard to deal with the idea that being the boss might change your relationship with a friend — and cause them to treat you in a way you aren’t comfortable with.
Being afraid of success is sometimes about how you don’t want to be seen as different from your peers.
4. You Don’t Like the Idea of Trolls Coming After You
With greater visibility comes the risk that people won’t like you. In fact, you might be worried about trolls and nasty comments. I know that I’ve received my share of nastiness online. It’s not fun.
However, as you find more success with your business and in your life, you will see plenty of people coming out the woodwork. Some offer constructive and valid criticism, while others are just there to try and drag you down.
Don’t let this fear keep you from following your dreams.
5. You Worry that Life Will Get More Complicated
Finally, one sign you’re afraid of success is the worry that your life will get more complicated. Do you worry that you will have less free time to do what you want?
It’s true that things can get crazy, but when you learn how to outsource, and you reach a certain level of financial success, you can buy more time.
Being afraid of success is more common than you might think. You don’t have to succumb to it, however.
