This article will discuss fear of success, its causes, how its treated, and ways to cope.

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What Is a Fear of Success?

People often hear about thefear of failure, but people may also experience a fear of success.

Woman working on laptop has difficulties with fear of success

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This may sound contradictory since much of society prizes success.

Success, though, often brings change and more and different responsibilities.

This can be anxiety-provoking and scary.

It can also make a person more visible, which not everyone enjoys.

Signs of a Fear of Success

Fear of success can look different from person to person.

What Causes a Fear of Success?

There may be a variety of reasons someone develops a fear of success.

You may get help by asking your healthcare provider for a referral to the appropriate mental health professional.

Tips for Coping

Phobias involve a stress reaction.

Better managing your stress can help promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.

In CBT, the person works through how their thoughts, behaviors, and emotions are connected.

If changes are made in one area, this results in changes in the other areas.

It can help you in everyday situations.

Summary

Fear of success is a specific phobia that can significantly impact your life.

It can cause anxiety and distress and interfere with school, work, and your lifestyle.

It may be triggered by various things, including past experiences or fear of negative consequences.

While phobias or significant fears dont typically go away on their own, treatments are available.

If youre struggling with fear of success, you dont have to handle it yourself.

Talk with your healthcare provider about what you’re feeling.

They can connect you with a counselor who can help.

Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety.Specific phobias.

Psychol.2016;7:48. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00048

Yilmaz H.Fear of success and life satisfaction in terms of self-efficacy.Universal Journal of Educational Research.