Do you keep getting in your own way, delaying what matters, or failing to follow through on opportunities you say you want?
Those behaviors may be the symptoms. The hidden block underneath them may be fear of success itself.
Most people do not think they are afraid of success. You may talk about the success you want, imagine it, and work toward it. But what happens when you picture yourself actually being successful?
What might change?
What could be a negative consequence of your success?
- Maybe you are afraid success will take too much time away from your friends or family.
- Maybe too much will change if you’re successful.
- Maybe your success will rock the boat.
- Maybe part of you is convinced that success will not be good for you or the people you care about.
If those beliefs feel true, no wonder you delay, forget what you need to do, avoid opportunities, or stop following through. Those behaviors are not proof that you are lazy or that you do not want success. They may be ways you are trying to keep yourself safe.
Let's use EFT Tapping to work with three layers: the fear of success itself, the belief that success will have negative consequences, and the frustration or shame you feel about your behavior.
Start by imagining the success you keep saying you want. Notice how afraid you feel when you picture it actually happening. What do you believe success will change? What do you think it will cost you? See if you can give that fear or belief a number from zero to ten.
You might tap on:
- Even though I am afraid of success itself, I accept who I am and how I feel.
- Even though I am convinced that success will be bad for me, I accept who I am and how I feel.
- Even though I keep getting in my own way, I can understand that I am trying to keep myself safe.
As you tap, notice whether the fear or belief changes. You do not need to force yourself to take a giant leap. Understanding the hidden block can help you be a little easier on yourself and choose a next step that feels possible.
What is your next yes?
- Could you choose one project and follow through?
- Could you accept one opportunity instead of avoiding it?
- Could you tap while you take one small step forward?
The rewire is not "I have to make myself succeed." It is "I can understand why I have been holding back, tap on the fear that success will be bad for me, and feel safe taking one next step."
Tap with me and notice what changes when you stop criticizing the symptom and start working with the hidden fear underneath it.
Carol Look is an EFT Master, LCSW, Clinical Hypnotherapist, coach, and author of The Yes Code, Yes Thank You, and Attracting Abundance with EFT. She has spent more than 30 years helping people release emotional blocks, clear self-sabotage patterns, and take inspired action toward greater success, abundance, and emotional freedom.