Success with a Capital S
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate, or deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure." - Marianne Williamson
I am sick of hearing about the overwhelming fear of failure. We get it, no one wants to fail, what I want to talk about, is the fear of Success.
In success obsessed culture, we glaze over the mere possibility of such a fear. However, to my surprise on a coaching call, I revealed to my coach and myself "I fear being Successful." (Fear Of Success)
How could this be, doesn't everyone want to be a Success story? Don't we strive to have Successful lives, relationships and careers? Isn't that what we are supposed to do?After reflecting on past patterns it was very apparent that the fear of being Successful is very real.
1. Fear of Stardom
Everyone in high school told me I should pursue an acting and singing career in college and that one day, with the right training I could be something big. When it came down to picturing my future, the idea of being in the limelight was paralyzing. Did I really want to be a "star"? The thought of the daily lifestyle that came along with the package was scary and unappealing.
Instead, I decided I'd study business.
2. Fear of Loosing Myself
I fear that once I'm Successful I will expect more of myself and so will others. I fear that I will loose the once humble intentions that growing a brand starts with in the wave of big business and cash flow. I don't want to be a sell out.
Instead, I found ways of procrastination to keep my dream career farther from reach.
3. Fear of Vulnerability
Being Successful means being vulnerable. You open yourself up to unsolicited criticism, where if no one knows who you are, you stay safe from nasty and negative opinions.
Instead, Blog posts and articles come with lots of self doubt before hitting "Publish"
4. Fear of "Grass is Greener"
I'm scared that upkeep of Success will bring a stress along with it, that won't be worth the fight. The typical grass is greener mentality. That success people just won't be what it's cracked up to be.
Instead, Staying right on my own patch of green-ish grass not willing to peak at the other side.
5. Vision of Success
I believe Success with a capital "S" is scary as hell. I've also learned that it can be debilitating if you let it hinder your growth. The key is that capital "s" Success: being well known, high-paid, and stressed out is only one version of success. Each of us can strive for our own version of success, as it's not one size fits all. And you find the one that fits, don't give up until you get there.
