Fear of success

The Apollo 11 mission was a NASA project to land a man on the moon.

Video: Charles A. Garfield and Peak Performance (1985) by Charles A. Garfield (Related to insights gathered from the Apollo 11 mission)

See also: Achievement and Achievement orientation and Peak performance

Fear of success "is a psychological phenomenon where individuals experience anxiety and self-sabotaging behaviors when approaching or achieving their goals. It's not simply a lack of motivation, but rather a deep-seated fear of the consequences that success might bring. This fear can manifest in various ways, including procrastination, avoidance, and even self-sabotage."

Overcoming the fear of succcess

"To overcome the fear of success, focus on acknowledging the fear, understanding its origins, and reframing negative thoughts about achievement. Consider visualizing success, setting achievable goals, and practicing self-care." - How to overcome the fear of success

Articles specifically dealing with overcoming the fear of success:

• 7 Signs You Have a Fear of Success and How to Overcome Them
• How to Overcome the Fear of Success
• Fear of Success: How to Defeat It to Reach Your Dreams by Jack Canfield
• 6 Types of Fear of Success (And How to Overcome Them), LifeHack.org

Videos:

• Overcoming the fear of success - video playlist, Video playlist

Jonah complex

See also: Jonah complex

Jonah and the Whale (1621) by Pieter Lastman

"The Jonah Complex, as coined by Abraham Maslow, is a specific type of fear of success, characterized by the avoidance of one's own potential and the resistance to personal growth and self-actualization. While "fear of success" is a broader term encompassing various reasons for avoiding achievement, the Jonah Complex specifically highlights the fear of one's own greatness and the potential consequences that come with it."

The Jonah complex is the: fear of success; fear of change; fear of personal growth, fear of reaching one's potential; fear of achieving one's aspirations and dreams; and fear of meeting one's social and God-given responsibilities (golden rule, etc.). The term is derived from the biblical story of Jonah, who atttempted to flee from his divine mission. Just as Jonah attempted to evade his divine destiny, individuals with the Jonah complex subconsciously avoid their own potential.

"The Jonah Complex and Imposter Syndrome, while both related to self-doubt and potential limitations, differ in their core focus. The Jonah Complex, stemming from the biblical story, is a fear of one's own potential and the responsibilities that come with it. Imposter Syndrome, on the other hand, is the persistent feeling of being a fraud despite evidence of one's competence. Essentially, the Jonah Complex is about avoiding success and growth, while Imposter Syndrome is about doubting the legitimacy of one's achievements." - Jonah complex vs. imposter syndrome

Book

• Fear of Success: The Hidden Force Behind Stalled Progress by Camille Sinclair. Independent. May 8, 2025
• How to Overcome the Fear of Success: Understanding and Overcoming Self-Sabotage (Understanding and Managing Behavioral Disorders) by William Vanden. Independently published. April 24, 2024
• Overcoming the Fear of Success by Martha Friedman. Putnam Pub Group. January 1, 1980
• Success Is An Inside Job: Overcome Fear of Success - Live Your Potential by Judith Chusid. Success Is an Inside Job, Inc. November 6, 2019
• Fear of Success by D.W. Tresemer. Springer. March 13, 2012 (Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 1977)

External links

• Why You May Be Afraid of Success by Kendra Cherry, MSEd
• The Fear of Success Can Sabotage Your Life Goals by Dimitrios Tsatiris M.D.
• Fear of success: Why we’re sometimes afraid of being our best
• Explaining the Fear of Success, Healthline.com