For many, the thought of success is both tempting and intimidating all at once. We all crave reaching our goals, but there's something spooky about the prospect of achieving them. Many of us fear what happens when we attain our dreams - is there only emptiness left? Others worry that success obligates us, and that once we hit it, we'll have to hustle for the rest of our lives. So, why is success so scary, and how can we manage these fears?
What happens when dreams become reality?
According to a study by the University of Cambridge, about 31% of successful individuals experience a phenomenon known as 'impostor syndrome'. It's a feeling of fraudulence where individuals doubt their achievements and fear being exposed as a "fraud". Another study, published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, suggests that achieving a longstanding goal can lead to an unexpected feeling of emptiness or a sense of "What now?". Approximately 20% of those surveyed reported feeling lost or disoriented after achieving a significant goal.
Does success mean lifelong commitment?
There's a common belief that success involves eternal hard work and constant pressure to maintain it. A study from the Harvard Business Review suggests that about 25% of high achievers experience stress or anxiety about losing their status or not being able to sustain their level of success.
Accept that success is a journey, not a destination:
Remind yourself that success isn't a final destination, but a continuous process. When you reach a goal, you create new ones. Your growth and learning never stop.
Handle impostor syndrome:
If you feel like you don't deserve your success, talk to others about it. Often, we are our own worst critics, and sharing your thoughts with a trusted individual can help put things into perspective.
Balance in life:
To prevent burnout, it's important to find a balance between work and leisure. It's okay to take a break, to say no, and to prioritize your health and happiness.
Success is indeed scary, but with the right mindset and tools, we can handle our fears and work towards our dreams. I can promise you, you can get used to having success, and it can even become a pretty awesome feeling.
I didn’t know that was my roadblock until I read this. 😂 OMG!