Fear of Success, Part 2
by Lori Schroeder | March 17, 2010
When we think of fears associated with pursuing academic goals, fear of failure often comes to mind. Yet, another phenomenon, fear of success, can be just as present, formidable, and self-sabotaging as the fear of failure.
Last month we explored the nature of fear of success. This month’s post identifies some of the effects of fear of success. In April, we will identify strategies to mitigate it.
If you have experienced fear of success, please share how this fear has affected you.
We will begin with the assumption that fear of success impedes our ability to succeed. As such, if our ability to succeed is compromised, we are likely to decrease our chances of success and we will fall short of our goals. An experienced Advanced Learner Doctoral Advisor colleague shares her insights on the effects fear of success has on learners (C. Watts, personal communication, January 16, 2010). She suggests fear of success may elicit these effects:
• Not attaining goals can lead to self-rebuke. In other words, a learner may feel guilt, shame, or even self-loathing for not accomplishing a goal.
• Not attaining goals can breed negative self-talk, which may, then, confirm our worst fears about our abilities and our own self-perception. A “loser” mentality can lead to shame and lead to isolation.
• Our self-confidence may be diminished.
• Colleagues and supervisors may alter their views and perceptions of our potential.
• Negatively influence future promotion and progress in career.
• Could lead to depression.
Can you relate?
Researchers Jason Plaks and Kristine Stecher (November 27, 2007) discovered that some individuals cannot handle success if they believe their professional skills and abilities are fixed. They found that if people think their professional skills and abilities are unchangeable, they will become anxious if they are successful. Their research revealed that “those who thought of their capabilities as fixed were more likely to become anxious and disoriented when faced with dramatic success, causing their subsequent performance to plummet, compared to those who thought of their abilities as changeable.” Plaks adds, “People are driven to feel that they can predict and control their outcomes. So when their performance turns out to violate their predictions, this can be unnerving—even if the outcome is, objectively speaking, good news.”
Can you identify with this condition? Have you ever been disoriented when you have experienced success?
Messina (2009) believes fear of success can result in these effects:
* “A lack of effort to achieve goals you have set for yourself in school, on the job, at home, in relationships, or in your personal growth
* Self-destructive behavior, such as tripping yourself up to make sure that you do not sustain a certain level of success or achievement you once had in school, on the job, at home, in relationships or in your personal growth.
* Problems making decisions, being unable to solve problems
* Losing the motivation or the desire to grow, achieve and succeed
* Chronic underachievement
* Feeling guilt, confusion and anxiety when you do achieve success–this leads you to falter, waver and eventually lose your momentum.
* Sabotaging any gains that you have made in your personal growth and mental health, because once you become healthier, a better problem solver, and more together,’ you fear that no one will pay attention to you. You are habituated to receiving help, sympathy and compassionate support.
* Your choosing to do just the opposite of what you need to do to be happy, healthy and successful
* Reinforcing your chronic negativity, chronic pessimism and chronic lack of achievement since you cannot, visualize yourself in a contented, successful life
* Denouncing your achievements and accomplishments, or seeking ways in which you can denigrate yourself enough to lose what you’ve gained”
Fear of success also may carry specific professional and financial implications:
• Not applying for the “perfect” job
• Not being hired for that “perfect” job
• Accepting lower salaries than the amount for which you qualify and deserve
• Not pursuing promotions
• Rating yourself “average” or “needs work” on employee self-evaluations
How has fear of success affected you?
Next month, we will identify strategies to mitigate fear of success.
References:
Messina, J. (2009). Handling fear of success. Retrieved from http://www.livestrong.com/article/14659-handling-fear-of-success/#JUMP2
University of Toronto (2007, November 27). Self-sabotage: Why Some People Can’t Handle Success. ScienceDaily. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedaily.com¬ /releases/2007/11/071126115315.htm
3 Responses to "Fear of Success, Part 2"
John says:
Fear is sort of a central tenet especially in my field as well as psychology. But the solution is perhaps once again merely in leaving behind the subjective self as much as possible. Without a self indulgence it would be difficult to have fearful emotions. Of course, fearlessness is folly as well methinks. Good luck to you then!
Lisa says:
The fear that I have is of the unknown when it comes to success. I want to own my own advertising / event company but in this economy I am fearful that it will not succeed. I have done the research I know what needs to be done to make it work, I would have a work / live loft downtown San Diego and work with others in the industry that work from home and combine our talents to accomodate a clients requests on a per job basis. There would be minimal costs for me to own the business but just not knowing if I can get in the door with buisiness and work with them is another question. So many businesses are having a person on the inside do their creative work that they don’t need to hire anyone to do it for them so they save costs. ……….that’s my thoughts in a nutshell.
Lori Schroeder says:
Hi, Lisa.
I think fear of the unknown, especially when the context is work and income, is especially powerful and is exacerbated by many forces we cannot control. Doing thorough analysis and surveying the economic and workforce needs landscapes might be helpful as you decide how to proceed with your company.
Best wishes,
Lori