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Thetreasureabyss's avatar

For me, the fear of success comes from the fact that growing up I was a horrible student and was extremely shy. I never dared to speak up or participate in any social setting. I always felt embarrassed of being judged and was always thinking about what others might think of me if I misspoke or if I dared to be different. I always imagined that there was always a person in a group that was wiser and more intelligent than me and therefore it was best if I kept my opinions to myself. And reflecting on my past I made the decision that I deserve to say what I think is true and if doing so will give me some recognition, I am not embarrassed to receive it because it is genuine. My biggest fear right now is letting time pass by and not actually tapping into my potential, even if that brings fame and success. As long as it's true, there is nothing to fear.

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Amanuel Sahilu's avatar

Really liked this post! I came across a shorthand for this in Becker’s Denial of Death--he called it “Jonah complex”: the avoidance of one’s heroic destiny out of fear that we’ll lose control once successful. It has a way of subtly receding into the background of the mind, draining ambitions and energy, until it’s addressed head-on...so your reminder is doubly appreciated!

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