Because sometimes the thing holding you back isn’t failure—it’s the possibility of everything going right
We talk a lot about fear of failure. Why You Might Be Self-Sabotaging and How to Stop
The what-ifs, the doubts, the moments we hesitate because we might not get it right. But there’s another fear—quieter, harder to name—that can be just as powerful: fear of success.
At ValueCore, we’ve seen how this fear can sneak into people’s lives without them realising it. They want change. They dream big. They put in the work. And then—just as things are about to take off—they stall. Pull back. Distract themselves. Or make a decision that quietly derails everything.
It’s not laziness. It’s not a lack of ability. More often, it’s that success feels foreign, overwhelming, or even unsafe.
Let’s take a closer look at what the fear of success really is, how it shows up, and how you can start stepping through it instead of stepping away.
What is the fear of success called?
The fear of success is sometimes referred to as “success anxiety” or “achievemephobia.” It’s the internal resistance you feel when moving toward something you want, but the idea of actually getting it triggers discomfort.
It might sound like:
- “If I get promoted, people will expect more from me.”
- “If my business takes off, I won’t have time for myself anymore.”
- “If I finally get healthy, I’ll lose parts of my identity.”
While fear of failure is about not reaching the goal, fear of success is about what happens when you do.
It’s the worry about new pressures, higher expectations, changes in relationships, or simply stepping into unknown territory.
What is the fear of becoming successful?
The fear of becoming successful often hides behind self-sabotage. You might delay, procrastinate, or make choices that keep you from moving forward—often without even realising it.
This fear can be rooted in:
- Imposter syndrome — wondering if you really deserve it.
- Childhood messaging — being told not to “get too big for your boots.”
- Fear of change — knowing success will shift routines, relationships, and self-image.
- Loss of belonging — worrying that friends or family won’t relate to the “new you.”
For many, the fear of success isn’t about the goal itself—it’s about the ripple effects.
If you’ve ever turned down an opportunity, avoided visibility, or quit when things were going well, you might have been protecting yourself from the unknowns of success, rather than from failure.
What is hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia the fear of?
While this might seem like an unrelated detour, it’s actually an interesting reminder of how our minds work. Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia is, ironically, the fear of long words.
Like the fear of success, it’s a little paradoxical—being afraid of the very thing you might need to face. For those with fear of long words, avoiding them might seem like a small thing, but it can shape communication habits.
With fear of success, avoiding it might seem harmless—passing up one opportunity, saying no to a challenge—but over time, it shapes your entire trajectory. Both show how avoidance patterns, even small ones, can hold us back from what we’re capable of.
What does the Bible say about fear of success?
The Bible speaks often about fear—not just fear of danger, but fear that holds us back from living fully. While the term “fear of success” isn’t directly mentioned, many passages address courage, trust, and stepping into what God has called you to do.
One verse that speaks to this is Joshua 1:9:
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
For someone experiencing fear of success, this is a reminder that you don’t have to carry the pressure alone. Success doesn’t have to mean self-reliance—it can mean leaning on faith, community, and purpose as you grow.
Philippians 4:13 also offers reassurance:
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
It’s a gentle nudge that success isn’t about proving yourself worthy—it’s about walking in the gifts you’ve been given.
Signs you might have a fear of success
The fear of success often hides behind logical-sounding reasons. But if you look closely, you might notice:
- You procrastinate more when things are going well.
- You downplay your achievements so you don’t stand out.
- You turn down opportunities you secretly want.
- You feel uneasy when others praise your work.
- You create crises or distractions just as momentum builds.
None of these mean you’re broken—they’re just signals that your mind associates success with risk.
How to stop self-sabotaging and move forward
Overcoming the fear of success isn’t about pushing yourself harder—it’s about making success feel safe.
Here’s where to start:
- Name the fear – The moment you can say, “I’m afraid of what will happen if this works,” you can start addressing it.
- Redefine success – Make it about your values, not just external milestones.
- Prepare for change – Map out how you’ll handle new demands or shifts in relationships.
- Challenge old stories – Replace “If I succeed, I’ll lose people” with “If I succeed, I can invite the right people with me.”
- Build support – Surround yourself with those who celebrate your growth without resentment.
Final thoughts: Success doesn’t have to feel scary
If you’ve ever pulled back right as things were falling into place, you’re not alone. The fear of success is more common than most people realise—and it doesn’t mean you’re not capable.
It means your mind is trying to keep you safe. But safety isn’t always the same as happiness. Sometimes, the safer choice is to grow.
Success can feel like a big, bright unknown—but it’s also the place where you meet more of yourself.
Where your gifts have space to shine. Where your life starts to reflect what you’ve been dreaming of.
You are allowed to succeed. You are allowed to grow without losing yourself.
And when you stop running from your own potential, you might just find that success isn’t something to fear—it’s something to embrace.