Branding Challenge Series

 Apparently the universe has been trying to tell me something lately and once I started listening, I actually hit on a major breakthrough regarding my struggle with the success I had been searching for.  It first happened when I was filling out a questionnaire for a new business coach.  I was asked, “What are the negative things you typically tell yourself about making a lot of money or having a VERY successful business?”

My Breakthrough

The interesting thing is that the answer came to me so quickly and so fluidly that I couldn’t believe I hadn’t thought of it before.  As it turns out, my reasons for being essentially afraid of success were deeply rooted in my teenage and college experiences and my frustrating relationship with a close family member.  (In the interest of not publicly casting my family in a bad light, I’m choosing to refrain from divulging my very personal breakthrough on the internet.)

Are YOU Afraid of Success?

I think many of us are afraid of success in some way, but it’s often hard to get down to the bottom of your subconscious and self-created hindrances.  Maybe you haven’t had your breakthrough yet, or maybe you’re not ready to admit the real reason for your seeming ability to constantly “sabotage” yourself and/or your business.

But if you think for one second that you could be allowing yourself to do better, but you’re just not sure why you’re holding back, then maybe it’s time to answer my business coach’s question for yourself.  What you’re looking for is the WHY.  Why do you hold yourself back when you know you could do better?  Once we uncover our WHY, then we can really begin to address the root of the problem.

If You’re Not a TOTAL Failure, You’re Not Really Afraid of Success

Shortly after my revelation, I received a link to a relevant article in my inbox from Success Mentor David Neagle.  The article addressed a similar situation as my own.  (Please click here to see for yourself.)

The title struck me right away: “Not a TOTAL failure?  Then you’re not scared of success!”  And I’ll tell you what – I quickly realized that Neagle is absolutely right!  The words in bold were the next kicker: “Most people don’t really fear success, they fear what success will bring.”  Maybe you’re afraid of the decisions success will afford you, or maybe you’ve always sort of looked down upon people who’ve made a lot of money or maybe you grew up in poverty and you’re concerned you’ll feel guilty if you earn more money than your hard-working parents did.

Whatever your reason, I think it’s important to unveil it in order to overcome it.  My recent breakthrough has allowed me to do just that.  I’m still working on it, but at least I know my WHY and I know where my fear has stemmed from.

Focus on Your Successes!  You Deserve It!

Sit down and make a list of all of your successes.  You need to appreciate how far you’ve come to be able to work through your fear of success.

Here’s My List:

• Not only was I the first person in my family to graduate from college, I also put myself through college on my own.  (Plus, I’ve paid off all my student loans.)
• I found my partner in life and we have been together for 14 years – and we’re still going strong.
• I’m a business owner of a design firm that I created over 10 years ago.
• I have great knowledge in my field and I am well respected by family, friends, colleagues and clients.
• I have successfully scaled many life hurdles that would cripple those less determined.
• I have doubled my income every year for the past 3 years in a down economy.

Try This Exercise For Yourself

Sit down and answer my business coach’s thought-provoking question and write a list of your own successes.  You may find your breakthrough, just like I did.

Remember: If you’re not a total failure, then that means you ARE a success and you can be even more successful once you work through your fear.  Believe me: if I can do it, so can you!