The excitement of success can feel close to anxiety for some. The physical reactions to both stress and excitement are biologically very similar. Many of us have been conditioned to believe that the road to success involves risks such as “getting one’s hopes up” – which threatens to lead to disappointment. Many people also associate success with uncomfortable things such as competition and its evil twin, envy.As the Psychology Today article “Fear of Success” notes:
In order to have a healthy relationship with success (and it’s flip side, failure, or disappointment), the first step is to learn to differentiate between feelings of excitement and fear. Try this technique to shift your perspective and share your experience with us in the comment section below.
- Recall an event where you were successful or excited when you were younger, and notice what you are feeling and sensing in your memory. Stay with the sensation of for 5 minutes.
- Recall an event where you were successful and excited recently in your life, and notice what you are feeling and sensing. Stay with this sensation of for 5 minutes.
- Now tap into the sensation of a memory of an overwhelming situation. I suggest not to start with a truly traumatic event, at least not without a therapist’s support. Start with something only moderately disturbing to you
Read more at Psychology Today
Monica Mehta 