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.
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!
This really resonated with me. I've been thinking lately about how self sabotage can often be a form of control. If we seek out failure, failure is guaranteed. If we *try* we may succeed *or* fail--but success is never guaranteed. Controlling the ambiguity is easier than accepting it.
It's funny–before we chatted (and after, upon reflection), I was like "Damn, this is so cool that Kasra wants to chat with me, a writer and thinker I've been following for awhile now!" Younger me would have been super intimidated and shy about something like this, but I felt pretty comfortable and open in conversation with you. So thanks for the time, the presence and thoughtfulness, and for helping me recognize that I am stepping into my own power. It's been really cool to follow along your journey on the periphery. Keep it up dude!
I think about this all the time — often mirrored back to me by my partner in that I, for some reason, loathe to accept compliments. An analog for this is, when someone says "nice dress," instead of saying "I bought it for cheap!" or "It has pockets!", just smile and say "thank you."
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.
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!
Brilliant Kasra, slaying it!
This really resonated with me. I've been thinking lately about how self sabotage can often be a form of control. If we seek out failure, failure is guaranteed. If we *try* we may succeed *or* fail--but success is never guaranteed. Controlling the ambiguity is easier than accepting it.
"fearlessness is a learned skill" I love this, such brilliant writing Kasra✨
It's funny–before we chatted (and after, upon reflection), I was like "Damn, this is so cool that Kasra wants to chat with me, a writer and thinker I've been following for awhile now!" Younger me would have been super intimidated and shy about something like this, but I felt pretty comfortable and open in conversation with you. So thanks for the time, the presence and thoughtfulness, and for helping me recognize that I am stepping into my own power. It's been really cool to follow along your journey on the periphery. Keep it up dude!
Slay Kasra! Excited to see so much progress in your journey. Gives me hope for mine. Can't wait to see what else you do next!!! :)
Proud of you, friend! This is both reflection and inspiration at once ❤️
I think about this all the time — often mirrored back to me by my partner in that I, for some reason, loathe to accept compliments. An analog for this is, when someone says "nice dress," instead of saying "I bought it for cheap!" or "It has pockets!", just smile and say "thank you."