Fear of Success aFaileth Much

The fear of success may be the culprit in your failures. That's a stark reality when self-sabotage scares you away from achieving the life God designed for you.

What exactly is the Fear of Success?

Much like its twin brother, the fear of failure, fear of success shares many of the same symptoms and often disguises itself in false humility. The fear of success is the fear of achieving goals or becoming successful because of a number of factors.

See if this sounds like you...

You don't tell others about your accomplishments because you feel it would be viewed as bragging or appear to be self-centered, egotistic, or arrogant?

You feel guilty about any success or recognition you have achieved because your friends, family, or co-workers haven't had the same success?

You often compromise your own goals to avoid conflict with others or rejection by those you love or trust?

You feel you don't deserve success or to be recognized, and often self-sabotage your own success by thinking you are not good enough?

You believe that if you do achieve success, you won't be able to sustain it. Eventually you'll fail, and end up back in a worse place than where you started. So why bother?

You were taught as a child that God didn't want you to have money or success because "money is the root of all evil," and God honors the meek in spirit?

Many are paralyzed by the fear of success without even knowing it!

As difficult as it is to admit, I suffered from this for most of my life. Part of my fear of success was false humility. I was afraid to achieve great things because more often than not, my family discouraged it.

When I did achieve something great, I often heard the words, "Well, you just think you're better than the rest of us, now, don't you?!"

That couldn't be further from the truth.

I never once thought that, and frankly my only competition is me. But, because of that perception, I often hid my success and achievements. I actually avoided inviting my family to my college graduation and participated in this celebration alone, just to avoid the feeling of guilt or conflict.

Looking back, I realize their own insecurities were to blame, and not my achievements.

Now, when I look at my accomplishments, I am amazed at how blessed I am and the how many opportunities God has given me. I can honestly say that I have achieved nearly 96% of everything I ever set out to do, and not many people can say that.

How did I do it?

I was determined, persistent, and never gave up in spite of my fear. I also learned that God's opinion is the one that mattered most, and my decisions have always been made with the intention of glorifying Him in the end.

Now, sometimes despite my best intentions and well-laid plans it didn't result in God getting the glory, but I learned from those failures and continue to learn processes to turn failures into stepping stones.

Nonetheless, here are a few tips to help you overcome the fear of success:

1. Choose your circle of influence wisely. Surround yourself with successful, motivated, high achievers who see you as an equal. They'll become your guard and well-respected advisors. Avoid those who influence you negatively, talk down to you, or are jealous of your dreams and achievements. This includes family members!

2. Declare war on your negative self-talk. You may be your own worst enemy! Stop all the negative talk like "I can't do this," or "I'm not good enough." Become your own cheerleader and remind yourself who God says you are. And in His eyes, you ARE better than good enough.

3. Stop procrastinating! Procrastination delays success. Why is your life not moving forward? Chances are you are putting off doing something of value because of self-doubt, fear, or other irrational reason. Get to gettin'! Even when you lack motivation, force yourself to work on achieving success.

Be sure to read my next article: Breaking the Cycle of Self-Sabotage

Creating a revolutionary life begins by knowing who you are in Christ. And His desire for you is to have great success in all things. It's true! His plan is for you to prosper and be in good health.

No, this isn't a prosperity-gospel message where I'm going to ask you to "buy a blessing." Prosperity is not just about money. It's prosperity in relationships, work, business, health, fitness, and most of all our God relationship.

In God's eyes, you are His greatest achievement. And His desire is that you prosper so you can help others prosper and leave a legacy that points to Him and testifies to His great love.