Fear Of Success?
Yesterday Jes mentioned (although she neglected to say WHO she was talking about) some people have a fear of succeeding. I think she was pointing a finger at me. The nerve!
But what if she’s right? The thought wouldn’t quit bugging me, so I figured I might as well write about it, huh? Nothing like me ruminating on my own problems to get you clicking away from this blog fast as lightning, right? Smart. Specially since I’m such a hermit-ish person in real life. Seems fitting to ostracise myself on my own blog as well.
Okay, so let’s get to it. If I’m afraid of becoming successful, WHY am I afraid? I mean, let’s face it, what’s the worst that could happen?
1. I might become spoiled and lazy and forget “where I came from”
2. I might become a snob
3. I might go on frivolous spending sprees with my family and friends and waste my newfound fruits of success
4. I might buy a house that is way larger than what I really need (always wanted to live in a castle)
5. I might have three or four cars (more frivolity)
6. I might leave my husband
7. I might get private tutors for my kids (instead of teaching them myself)
8. I wouldn’t just “give” people money who asked for it, although I would buy what they “really needed” … if it were actually a need … and they’d get pissed at me for not just giving them money
9. People might start to look to me for answers and I might be forced to become a celebrity of sorts and step into the limelight. Can’t have that, cause I’m terrified of being in the light of limes
10. I’d have to be more organized – a crime against writers, because Heaven knows how well we love our disordered ordered chaos!
11. I’d have to “deal” with other people…and my comfort zone is waaay away from that. Hermit is more my style
12. People might expect more of me than I am willing to give of myself
13. (Woohoo! Lucky number 13!) I might have to “do something spectacular” to get there
Okay, that’s enough. There’s more than enough reasons right there to just walk away from all the dreams in my head and say, “Forget it. I’ll never do it.” So why, tell me, can’t I just ignore my dreams and walk away?
What is it inside me that forces me to keep on dreamin’ up more dreams and plugging away (albeit tiny little plugs here and there) at “getting there?”
Maybe it’s that:
1. I’ve already seen what I’m headed toward and I like it a lot better than where I am now
2. Even if it means un-hermetizing for a moment, I always want to help other people if I can
3. I don’t really believe success would turn me into a snob
4. I know I could do a lot of good things for myself and others if I were more successful than I am now
5. I realize I can help “anonymously” if I need to – which will protect my shy sensibilities. 
6. I’ve been with my husband this long…a few million dollars more ain’t gonna change that…because I’m not with him for money anyway. I love him.
7. Even if I bought a huge house for myself and my family, I always wanted to buy houses for others to, folks who didn’t have the means to have their own…and make it easy for those people to get in those houses.
8. Once I got used to it, organized living wouldn’t be so bad…in fact, it’d probably be a lot cleaner! 
9. I can always say no
10. There’s a million and one other ways to give answers besides dealing with light o’ limes
11.Senile people forget where they came from all the time, and nobody shoots THEM for it
12. I don’t believe any indulgences I might spend frivolously on would overbalance the good I would do as well
13. I just believe, deep down inside myself, that I’m meant for more than this
Yeah.
So what about you? Are you holding yourself back because you’re afraid to succeed? Why?
If you’re brave (or just plain goofy like me and so honest you aren’t afraid to admit personal stuff on a public blog – you’d think I would have learned better than this long, long ago, wouldn’t you?) post your “worst that could happens” in the comments section and let’s talk about it.
What do you think YOU would do if you woke up successful? How would your life change? Would it be for the better or worse?
Inquiring minds want to know…
written by Tina Adams
What??? I forgot to mention you by name??? How… lazy of me :-p I for one think you’re already spoilt and lazy, think leaving your husband would probably get you much less gaol time than the beating you’re always threatening to give him, and think success would definitely turn you into a snob galore.
Other than that… I can’t see a single reason why you shouldn’t
You, lazy??? Amazing! LOL
Thanks for…er…commenting. Hehehe
Lol… you are most welcome. Just one thing though… when you find success – could I have the big house? :p
The BIG house? Hmmm. I dunno. Lemme think about it. The big house? You’re sure THAT’s the one you want? Why not the pink one? Or the Medium-sized one? Or the Three Bears one?
Sure, you can have the big one. As long as you meet the other, non-monetary requirements. You’ll have to “work” for me. Do the cooking. Or the laundry. Or the gardening. Or landscaping. Something. I think that’s the best way to do it. Don’t you?
Hehehe. Still want it?
Blast… and here I thought you were gonna let me be lazy
Well no… now that I know I’ve got to do all the other stuff you’re too lazy to do, I don’t want it.
I’ll go get my own big pink house… phbbbt!!!
You asked: “What do you think YOU would do if you woke up successful? How would your life change? Would it be for the better or worse?”
After coming of of the anesthetic I’d order my stretch limo to get me outta there pronto, get the maid to book airline tickets to paradise someplace, grab my laptop and USB broadband and live happily ever after. Not forgetting becoming a videographer of flying pigs for a hobby.
But seriously, here’s how my life would change for the Better: I’d be incredibly grateful to, and respectful of, the customers whose faith in me had made it all possible. I would no longer concern myself with trivia and the media-driven hollow pursuits that pass for entertainment or even news. Freed from the mundane things of life I’d be able to get involved with useful projects – a la Bill & Melinda, who must go to sleep each & every night well pleased (humbled) with having played a part in making a difference in so many lives. Their Foundation cannot possibly cover a tiny fraction of the needs out there.
We’re privileged to breath air on this planet. We’re endowed with an incredible brain which sadly most of us allow to functionally atrophy to mere peanut size. Properly harnessed and directed, our energies could bring about awesome achievements that would surprise us.
I’m ready. The time has come for Action.
Stew, your enthusiasm is contagious!
Can I be the first to view the flying pig footage? I think the day is coming when you’re gonna need to have that video equipment…really soon now.
Ready, are ya? Okay, let’s do this thing! I’ve posted Day 2 of my challenge on the blog. Check it out and start creating.