35 Powerful Affirmations for Fear of Success -

Do you procrastinate on important tasks even when you know they’ll lead you to success and you like doing them but you don’t?

Do you consistently set low goals and never push yourself to achieve your full potential?
Do you downplay your achievements and brush off compliments?

Do you shy away from opportunities for advancement or increased responsibility?
Does the idea of success trigger anxiety about increased workload or negative attention?

If your answer was “yes” to most of these questions, your mind has probably associated feelings of anxiety, uncertainty, and discomfort with the concept of success or being a successful person.

In short, you have a fear of success! Yep… it’s a real and, in fact, very common fear.

But how could one have fear of becoming successful you might ask? Don’t we all want to become successful and live great lives?

I’ll explain.

What is the fear of success?

The fear of success, also sometimes called success anxiety or achievemephobia (yep… that’s the actual term for it! Though it sounds more like a phobia for achieving ‘me’), is a surprising phenomenon where people avoid achieving their goals because they’re afraid of the potential consequences of success.

It might seem counterintuitive, but there are many reasons why someone might fear success. Here are a couple of common ones:

Fear of Change: Success often brings with it changes in lifestyle, workload, and even relationships. People who fear success might worry about being overwhelmed by these changes or losing touch with who they are.

Imposter Syndrome: This is the feeling that you’re not actually as skilled or competent as others perceive you to be. Someone with imposter syndrome might fear success because they worry they’ll be “found out” as a fraud.
Fear of Failure (It sounds contradictory, right?): Sometimes the fear of success stems from a fear of not being able to maintain success. People might worry that if they achieve something great, they’ll inevitably fail to live up to that standard in the future.

These are just a few examples, and the fear of success can manifest in many ways. The important thing to remember is that it’s a real issue that can hold people back from achieving their full potential.

Why do people fear success?

Well apart from the 3 factors mentioned above, here are a few more reasons why so many people associate anxiety with being successful:

Fear of Isolation: Success can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation, especially if your closest circle hasn’t achieved the same level. People might fear that success will drive a wedge between them and their loved ones.

Fear of Backlash: Sometimes, societal expectations can play a role. People might worry that achieving success will make them seem arrogant or outshine their peers, leading to jealousy or negative social interactions.

Fear of the Unknown: Success often leads to uncharted territory. New opportunities and challenges can be exciting, but also scary. The uncertainty of what lies ahead can be a source of anxiety for some people.
Negative Past Experiences: Perhaps past failures or negative experiences associated with success can leave a lasting scar. This can make people hesitant to put themselves out there again for fear of repeating the experience.

What are Affirmations + How Can They Help Overcome the Fear of Success?

Affirmations are positive statements that you intentionally repeat to yourself to challenge negative thoughts and beliefs. They act like commands or suggestions that reprogram your subconscious mind over time. Here’s how they can be powerful tools in overcoming the fear of success:

1. Countering Negative Self-Talk:

Fear of success often manifests as negative self-talk. You might constantly downplay your abilities or tell yourself you don’t deserve success. Affirmations provide a way to counter this negativity. By repeating positive statements about yourself and your capabilities, you gradually replace those self-doubts with empowering beliefs.

2. Reprogramming Your Subconscious:

Our subconscious mind plays a significant role in shaping our behavior. By consistently repeating affirmations, you’re essentially feeding your subconscious with positive suggestions. Over time, these positive messages begin to take root, influencing your thoughts and actions in a more positive direction.

3. Making You Feel Self-Assured:

Fear of success can significantly dent your confidence. Affirmations can help rebuild that confidence by reminding you of your strengths and accomplishments. When you consistently tell yourself you are capable and deserving, you start to believe it, leading to increased self-assurance when facing challenges or opportunities for success.

4. Shifting Your Focus:

Fear tends to make you focus on the potential negatives of success. Affirmations, however, allow you to shift your focus to the positive aspects. By repeating statements about the exciting possibilities and rewards of success, you can cultivate a sense of motivation and excitement that propels you forward despite your anxieties.

Remember, affirmations are most effective when used consistently and with genuine belief. By incorporating them into your daily routine, you can gradually overcome the fear of success and unlock your full potential for achievement.

35 Affirmations to Overcoming Fear of Success

The following affirmations are broken down into sub-categories designed specifically to address and target different aspects of fear of success:

Embracing Change

I am adaptable and embrace the positive growth that comes with change.
New challenges are opportunities for me to learn and expand my capabilities.

I welcome the excitement and adventure that success brings with it.
Change is inevitable, and I have the strength and flexibility to navigate it with grace.
My success allows me to create positive changes in my life and the world around me.

I am open to new possibilities and trust that change will lead me to a fulfilling future.
With each new challenge, I become a stronger, more resilient version of myself.

Managing Stress and Responsibilities

I am capable of handling increased responsibilities, and I delegate tasks effectively.

I prioritize my well-being and create healthy boundaries to manage stress.
I take things one step at a time and trust my ability to handle what comes my way.
Success allows me access to resources that support my well-being and manage stress.

I ask for help when needed and delegate tasks with confidence.
I cultivate a healthy work-life balance and prioritize activities that bring me peace.
I celebrate my achievements while acknowledging the need for rest and relaxation.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

I deserve success. My hard work, skills, and dedication have earned me this.
My achievements are a testament to my competence and capabilities.
I am worthy of recognition and success. My inner critic does not define me.

Learning is a lifelong journey, and I embrace opportunities to grow and improve.
Success is not about perfection; it’s about embracing my strengths and pushing my boundaries.
I am surrounded by supportive people who believe in me and my potential.

I silence negative self-talk and focus on the positive voice within me.

Staying Grounded Amidst Success

Success is a journey, not a destination. I remain humble and grateful for what I have achieved.
I appreciate the support of the people who helped me reach success.

My success allows me to give back to my community and make a positive impact.
I stay connected to my core values and what truly matters to me.
Material possessions do not define me. My true value lies in who I am as a person.

Success is an opportunity to inspire others and uplift those around me.
I celebrate my achievements while maintaining a sense of perspective and groundedness.

Building Self-Confidence

I believe in myself and my ability to achieve my goals.

I am confident in my skills and talents, and I am not afraid to showcase them.
I learn from my mistakes and use them to build my confidence and resilience.
I challenge myself and step outside of my comfort zone to build my self-assurance.

I surround myself with positive and supportive people who believe in me.
I celebrate my successes, big and small, to reinforce my sense of confidence.
I am worthy of success, and I am confident in my ability to achieve it.

Tips for Using These Affirmations to Embrace Success

Here are some tips to maximize the effectiveness of your chosen affirmations and truly overcome your fear of success:

Personalization is Key

Choose affirmations that resonate with you. Not all affirmations will strike a chord with everyone. Pick ones that feel genuine and believable for you.
Make them personal. Adapt the affirmations to your specific situation. For example, instead of “Change allows me to explore new possibilities,” you could say “This career change allows me to explore new industries and find my dream job.”

Repetition is Power

Consistency is crucial. Aim to repeat your chosen affirmations several times a day, especially during moments of anxiety about change.
Schedule reminders. Set alarms or notifications on your phone to remind yourself to repeat your affirmations throughout the day.
Incorporate them into your routine. Write them down and post them around your house or workspace, or record them and listen back during your commute.

Focus on the Present

Use present tense statements. Affirmations phrased as “I am” or “I can” are more impactful than those in the future tense. For example, “I am confident in my ability to adapt to success” is more powerful than “I will be confident I’ll achieve success.”
Feel the emotion. Don’t just go through the motions of repeating words. Connect with the positive emotions associated with the affirmation. Visualize yourself successfully navigating a successful lifestyle.

Combine with Action

Affirmations are a powerful tool, but they’re not a magic solution. While repeating affirmations can shift your mindset, pair them with action for optimal results.

Set specific goals. For example, if your affirmation is “I am open to new possibilities,” create a goal to research a new skill you’ve always wanted to learn.
Take small steps forward. Don’t try to overhaul your life overnight. Celebrate small victories as you move through the change process.

Be Patient and Kind to Yourself

Change takes time. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t feel completely comfortable with the concept of success overnight.

Self-compassion is key. Be patient with yourself and celebrate your progress, no matter how small.
Focus on the journey, not just the destination. Enjoy the process of learning and growing as you navigate change.

Embracing The Life Filled with Success

Fear of success may seem like a paradox, but it’s a very real hurdle many face. Always keep in mind that overcoming this fear isn’t about becoming fearless. It’s about acknowledging your anxieties and equipping yourself with the tools to navigate them.

By using affirmations, taking action, and celebrating your progress, you can transform your fear into a powerful motivator.

Embrace the journey of growth, celebrate the changes that come with achievement, and step confidently into a life filled with the success you deserve.

The greatest reward lies not just in reaching your goals, but in the empowered, resilient person you become along the way.

Affirmations for Other Fears

If you have any other fears or anxieties that have been limiting your life and keeping you from experiencing life to the fullest, please check out THIS article where you’ll find a whole list of affirmations specialized for different kinds of fears.

Feel free to leave your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below.

Make sure to take good care of yourself! Talk to you soon…