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We have all heard about fear of failure, but have you heard about fear of success? Yes, I am talking about fear of being successful. Unconsciously, we may be carrying this fear which in turn could be a factor why we are not achieving our goals. Hi, I am Riddhi Saboo Tahlaramani, acceptance coach. Even I had this fear because I assumed that if I am more successful than my husband, our relationship will go for a toss.
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So I underplayed for quite some time. When I got introduced with this subject, I thought of confronting him rather than making assumptions and I got to know that he didn’t feel any such thing. In fact, he said he would be happy to see me grow and prosper without comparing to him. The fear of being successful is a common psychological phenomenon known as success anxiety or achievement anxiety.
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It refers to the apprehension or unease that individuals may experience when they contemplate the possibility of achieving their goals or reaching a high level of success in their endeavours. This fear can be complex and may stem from various underlying factors. Fear of Change Success often brings significant changes in one’s life, including increased responsibilities, expectations and visibility. These changes can be daunting and some people may feel uncomfortable stepping out of their comfort zones.
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Fear of Failure Paradoxically, the fear of failure can be linked to the fear of success. Achieving success means greater expectations and there may be concerns about not being able to maintain that success or living up to the newfound status. Imposter Syndrome People experiencing imposter syndrome doubt their accomplishments and fear being exposed as a fraud.
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As they achieve more success, these feelings may intensify. Fear of Judgment Success can attract attention, both positive and negative. The fear of being judged or criticised by others for their achievements can be a significant deterrent. Self-Worth Issues Individuals may have a negative self-perception and believe they don’t deserve success,
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leading to anxiety when they approach achieving their goals. Fear of Success Outpacing Support Systems Success can also bring changes in social circles and support systems, and some individuals may fear losing important relationships or connections. Previous negative experiences related to success or high expectations can contribute to the fear of being successful in the future.
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Overcoming the fear of success often involves self-reflection, recognising and addressing limiting beliefs, setting realistic expectations and seeking support from friends, family or professional counsellors. Building self-confidence, celebrating small successes, and gradually stepping outside of one’s comfort zone can also help individuals gradually become more comfortable with the idea of achieving success.
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Additionally, learning to cope with potential criticism and embracing failure as a part of the learning process can be valuable tools in navigating success anxiety. Grow your awareness to understand if this could be your reason of not achieving your goals. Share your one-top learning from this podcast in the comment section below.