The fear of success is something that many of us have and, as suggested by most theories, it begins in childhood. For example, a child has excelled in something, say mathematics. The parents, siblings, friends, and others may, on the one hand, be proud of the child’s excellence, but yet at the same time be threatened by it. What can result is the child receiving a variety of mixed messages. The child receives praise for the achievement, yet is also told, in whatever way, that they can never reach the top. Its praise laced with discouragement and as the child receives more of this kind of information, from those around them, they develop a fear of success.

Another way we may have a fear of success has to do with feelings of inadequacy. Feelings of inadequacy also come from our childhood experiences but are more about ourselves than what we do. For example, the father who tells his son that he won’t amount to anything or the single mother who tells her child they are just like their irresponsible father is instilling the feeling of inadequacy in their children.

In our adult lives the fear of success can be compounded by our own thought processes in the form of denial. We may deny our own abilities and attribute our successes to luck, the help of others, or as a miracle, rather than giving ourselves credit for an accomplishment. For us, all these things, and more, create ambivalence about success. Fortunately, the fear of success can be overcome and here are some ways to do that.

Identify Underlying Beliefs

Our fear of success is grounded in our beliefs. The first step to overcoming our fear of success is to identify those beliefs that contribute to those fears. As you identify them write them down on a separate piece of paper.

Challenge The Beliefs

Now go down your list of beliefs and challenge them. What we mean by challenging them is to consider where they came from, their true validity, and their application to your current life. Also, note the opportunities you may have backed away from as a result of those beliefs.

Replace Destructive Beliefs With Constructive Ones

Once you have discovered what beliefs interfere with you being successful you can begin to discard them. But as you throw them away you’ll want to replace them with beliefs that support you being successful. For example, if you have the belief that you won’t amount to anything, replace that belief with one that says you will.

Increase Self-Esteem

The fear of success is most certainly a self-esteem issue. And because of this you will need to build your self-esteem. This can be done in various ways such as, surrounding your self with people who are positive and supportive. Also, focus on areas of your life that you can be easily successful in before taking on bigger challenges. As you succeed in these areas be sure to compliment and praise yourself.

Overcoming the fear of success takes a great deal of work and there are many other ways you can do this other than what we have mentioned here. In some instances it may be easier to ask a friend you trust to help you or even to seek professional guidance. Regardless of how you go about overcoming your fear of success you will only be successful if you invest the time and energy into it.