Fear of Success?

Why would someone fail because they have a fear of succeeding? That sure sounds like an Oxymoron...doesn't it? But it is very real and happens to be one of the barriers to success. It's really about a lack of self-confidence in that if once you succeed more will be expected...and how will one manage that? More pressure, more expectations, more stress....but wait. If we have a passion for something then we shouldn't fear succeeding...(assuming it is not a dangerous or destructive passion - I do have to make that qualification - this is a place for positive thinking about positive things).

I read something the other day that struck me as quite wise....It was from my favorite blog on positive thinking and the article was about a timeless tip than can make your life a whole lot easier - here is link to the whole article if you would like to read it: http://www.positivityblog.com/index.php/2009/03/06/one-timeless-tip-that-can-make-your-life-a-whole-lot-easier/

In summary, the article discussed the idea that we can control our action but not necessarily the results of the action...you take an action about something that you believe in...you put yourself out there and your motive is pure...to share information, to enlighten the world...but whether or not that objective is reached is beyond your control. Yet it is important that you do something because doing nothing is the worst thing you can do. Don't attach yourself to the result...instead attach yourself to the action. Focus on what you are doing more than on the results.....I think the article does a better job than I do explaining this idea but I liked it.

A practical example might be a rose garden. When planning a rose garden it's hard not to think about the result because of the beauty you expect. However, if you don't focus on the action of actually ordering and planting the rose itself you will not succeed.....if you fear it will be too much work when it is done you will not succeed.... if you focus on the action of getting it done...you will succeed and you will not be so worried about what happens when you do!

When you put things in motion..the last thing you want to do is fear you will succeed.....so focus on getting the job done and it will be a lot easier on you...it will also be much more fun. If more work comes your way because you succeeded...you can cross that bridge when you get to it....it is not as difficult to cross as you may think...especially if it is something you are passionate about.