When we talk about personal and professional growth, the fear of failure is at the center of attention. But there is another anxiety, which is in the shadows and is not talked about much: the fear of success. This fear, hidden behind intentions, shapes our choices and actions.
"Fear of success is about anxiety about achieving one's goals and the possible consequences that come with career and work matters. This fear can be so strong that it becomes, despite the fact that you have the skills and opportunities to succeed," says Mark Travers, a psychologist at Cornell University.
#1 Fear of change
Success often brings significant changes, new responsibilities, changed routines and expectations of a different nature. While these changes can be exciting, they can also be scary. A study published in the "Journal of Experimental Social Psychology" found that people tend to evaluate things more positively the longer they are in a workplace. This is due to the fact that they are more familiar with the environment, colleagues, nature of work and stability.
#2 Fear of responsibilities
Success often comes with increased responsibilities, which can seem daunting to many. Fear of managing new tasks can become an obstacle to achieving career goals. The weight of these responsibilities can hold people back on the path to success, as they become more easily concerned with failure and meeting expectations.
#3 Fear of losing reports
Success can change the dynamics of personal and professional relationships, leading to anxiety, envy or being perceived differently from others. Many people worry that their achievements will create distance between them and the loved ones or colleagues they are closest to, causing tension or even the loss of relationships. This fear of facing abandonment can be quite a hindrance, especially if previous experiences have shown that success has led to envy or departure from friends, family, colleagues, etc.
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Source: Forbes
