It’s common to be afraid of failure in your 20s and 30s. It’s less common to discuss the fear that comes with success, because it’s not typically acknowledged at the start of your journey.
Sure, you may be open to discussing your options and deciding on a clear direction, but on some level you may feel that it’s really a long shot, but why not give it a go?
The problem with this is people who consistently work towards their goals and are supported along their journey are more likely than not to achieve these goals (however unrealistic they may have seemed at the start).
So when you come within reach of achieving your goals and don’t fully expect to, things can get a little self-destructive. You may feel like an imposter, or that you’re not worthy, or that you don’t deserve the success you’ve attained. So you start holding yourself back.
But you do deserve it. And if you’ve defined your goal well, you should be striving towards making a sustainable impact, which means your success is just one more step forward on the long game you’re playing.
Life is all about growth and development, which means you’ll keep redefining your goals as you achieve them. So it’s just as important to grow into your success as it is to overcome your challenges.
What’s really driving you? Are you afraid of failing? Or are you afraid of succeeding?