Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our Light, not our Darkness, that most frightens us.

Marianne Williamson

I am a big fan of Marianne Williamson. She embodies spirituality, intelligence, and integrity with everything she says and does. Though another reason why I feel close to her is that we carry the same last name.

She states the above quote in her book A Return to Love. And she continues by saying, “We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

I wonder what reading this makes you feel. For instance, does it resonate with you? Are you your biggest saboteur? Do you question your abilities? Let us cut to the chase. Are you afraid of success?

Ways to recognize the fear of success

A big challenge with being afraid of success is that it is often hard to realize. You may have a sense that something is off, but you cannot put your finger on what is wrong. But there are a few common symptoms that you could look for in yourself. Like one of these:

• Worrying that your big break will come, and you won’t be able to deliver.
• Being afraid that success will turn you into something you don’t want to be.
• Constantly making beautiful, detailed business and marketing plans, but you’re not doing any of the tasks.
• Thinking that if you become successful, it will be too much pressure and too much work.
• Starting and making it halfway through your plans, and then not showing up at a key moment because you hit the terror barrier.
• Doubting yourself and believing that you’re not good enough to sustain success.

Success is an island far away that you can see on the horizon. You keep telling yourself that you want to go there, but when it comes to jumping in the boat and starting to paddle, in other words when things get serious, you withdraw.

Then what?

People don’t fear becoming successful; they are afraid of the results and consequences of success. The way it might change their life and put them outside of their comfort zone.

But getting clear on what you want and working with a coach or mentor could help work out how that would look. Also, regularly reminding yourself of your genius improves your self-confidence and belief in yourself.

You already have everything you need to succeed. You’re just not tapping into your capabilities. Connect with your inner self and choose to start and keep moving toward the goals that scare you. Even if you don’t succeed, you’ll grow along the way.

Image by Comfreak from Pixabay