Do you ever feel like you should be further ahead than you are? Maybe you’ve set ambitious goals but somehow never seem to follow through. Or perhaps you find yourself procrastinating on opportunities that could change your life. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. These might be signs of something deeper at play: fear of success.
Fear of success is a surprisingly common issue, even though most people don’t realize they have it. It can show up as procrastination, anxiety, or even behaviors like overeating, excessive screen time, or substance use. The truth is, fear of success can hold you back just as much as fear of failure—and it’s often harder to notice.
What Is Fear of Success?
Fear of success isn’t about lacking ability; it’s about worrying what success might bring. Will it mean more responsibility than you can handle? Will it lead to rejection or criticism? Will it force you out of your comfort zone?
These fears aren’t about whether you’re ready or capable. They’re emotional and mental blocks that make success feel intimidating instead of exciting.
A Personal Example
Let me share my experience. For years, I wanted to be a motivational speaker. I had the skills, passion, and experience to inspire others. But I moved forward slowly. Why? Deep down, I was afraid of rejection. I knew that being a successful speaker would mean putting myself out there more, hearing more “no” responses, and facing criticism.
It wasn’t about talent—I knew I had that. It was about connecting success with discomfort and vulnerability. That’s how fear of success works: it convinces us that success will bring pain, even when it’s not true.
How Fear of Success Shows Up
Here are some common ways fear of success can show up in our lives :
Procrastination: Putting off tasks or goals.
Self-sabotage: Finding excuses or distractions that undermine your efforts.
Avoidance behaviors: Overeating, binge-watching TV, or other ways of numbing yourself.
Anxiety: Feeling nervous or panicked about moving forward.
The Jonah Complex and the Self-Worth Theory of Motivation
Psychologist Abraham Maslow came up with the term “Jonah Complex” to describe the fear of realizing your full potential. Just like the biblical Jonah ran from his calling, people with this fear avoid stepping into greatness because it feels overwhelming or risky.
Another helpful idea is the self-worth theory of motivation. This theory explains why people sometimes create obstacles for themselves. If you procrastinate or avoid challenges, it’s easier to blame failure on the situation rather than feeling like you’re not good enough. These behaviors protect our self-esteem, but they also hold us back.
Tools to Overcome Fear of Success
If you’re reading this and thinking, “Wow, this sounds familiar,” don’t worry—you’re not alone. Fear of success is something you can overcome with the right approach. Here’s how:
Figure Out the Root Cause Ask yourself what’s really behind your fear. Are you worried about rejection, responsibility, or losing relationships? Understanding these fears is the first step to working through them.
Change How You See Success Instead of focusing on what success might take away, think about what it can give you. For example, instead of worrying about rejection, remind yourself that success will connect you with people who appreciate your work.
Take Small Steps Break your goals into smaller actions. Each step forward builds confidence and makes big goals feel less overwhelming.
Celebrate Wins Acknowledge your progress, no matter how small. Celebrating helps build momentum and keeps you motivated.
Get Support Surround yourself with people who encourage you. Mentors, coaches, and supportive friends can help you stay accountable and push past fear.
Stories of Resilience
Fear of success isn’t just your struggle—even famous people deal with it. Motivational speaker Les Brown has talked about how fear of rejection almost stopped him from becoming great. Brené Brown, a bestselling author, shares how embracing vulnerability helped her succeed. These stories show that it’s possible to move through fear and achieve amazing things.
Research That Supports This
Studies show that fear of success often comes from early experiences or social pressures. Psychologist Gay Hendricks calls this the “upper limit problem,” where people subconsciously limit their own success. The Jonah Complex and the self-worth theory of motivation explain why fear of success can be so powerful: it’s tied to deep emotional beliefs about what we deserve and how much we can handle. Related ideas, like impostor syndrome, show how fear of not being “good enough” can stop even high achievers.
What’s Next for You?
Success doesn’t have to be scary. Take one small step today toward your goals. Write it down, say it out loud, and remind yourself: Success doesn’t mean sacrifice. It can mean freedom, growth, and living your best life.
So, what’s stopping you? And what’s waiting for you on the other side of fear? Ask yourself these questions, and get clear on how you really feel about the answers. A great prompt is to say "What's the worst that could happen if I achieve XXX?"
Remember, the world needs what you have to offer, and even though you may have experienced things in the past that were hurtful, or even if you did things you're not proud of, that doesn't mean you don't deserve success--or that what you have to offer isn't any less needed. You're closer to achieving your goals and dreams than you think!
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