Are You Uncomfortable with your Success?

The prospect of success can be uncomfortable for many people. It seems hard to believe, but it’s very true. Who wouldn’t want to be more successful? For women of color, sometimes career success comes with rules. The reality is that oftentimes being a Black woman in a management or executive role means you may be the only one. It’s also true that you may not even be aware that the thought of success makes you uncomfortable and I know it feels counterintuitive that anyone would fear being successful.

I’ll say this… career failure might not be ideal, but for some, it can seem more comfortable than the possibility of something more. It’s time to celebrate and recognize “the who you are” so that eliminating any fear of success could be all you need to take your career to the next level.

Consider these facts about success and become more comfortable with choosing success in your career:

• The fear of success can manifest itself in different ways.

Procrastination, self-sabotage, and an inability to concentrate on important tasks are all signs of discomfort with success. Do you suddenly feel tired when performing a task that could take your career to the next level? These can be signs that your subconscious is derailing your efforts.

• Attack any negative beliefs.

Make a list of your negative beliefs regarding career success and then question them. How do you know this belief is true? Where did this belief come from? Could you be wrong? What are a few counterexamples to this belief? What is this belief costing you?

• It’s true that success can be more complex than failure.

The more successful you become, the more visible you become. You’re more exposed to criticism. You can have more responsibility. Success can require change, but you can still be the same person, just an enhanced version of yourself.

• Have a vision of success that appeals to you.

Are you afraid that success will result in a loss of your free time? Build a vision of success that allows you to work hard for a few hours while on the beach or your favorite relaxation spot. Success won’t happen if your vision of success is unappealing. What is your ideal version of success?

• Enjoy the process.

Success can seem like a lot of work, it honestly is. But, if you view the work as misery, no amount of success will be attractive enough to motivate you to go after it. Find a way to live in the moments of experience and enjoy the process of becoming successful. Sometimes, it’s just the journey in finding the right path.

Remember to avoid underestimating how much your negative impressions of success can sabotage your future. Build a vision of success that motivates you to be successful and start enjoying the success you deserve.

Lynnecia S. Eley, known as The Confidence Doula, is a problem solver committed to coaching and inspiring others to transform their ideas into businesses by using strategies, mindset, confidence, and empowerment to help them create their own freedoms.

Click HERE to learn more about Lynnecia on “Doing What You Love.”

Written for and originally shared via the February 2022 BHM Special Edition Weekly Newsletter issue of Visionary Initiatives’ Career Development Resource Newsletter.