“Everything you want is on the other side of fear.” ~ JackCanfield

Spiders, clowns, flying, public speaking, and enclosed spaces are all fears people will readily admit to. One thing you will never hear someone say is they are afraid to succeed.

In my coaching and consulting practice, I constantly see actions that scream, “I’m comfortable where I am and I don’t need to take the next step.” Missed deadlines, multiple unfinished projects, infinite second guessing, and repeated procrastination are all red flags that you may be afraid of success. These behaviors self-sabotage any chance of forward momentum.

If you fall into this category, I know your secret. I know you wouldn’t be reading this text unless you’ve recognized the Jekyll and Hyde duking it out in your mind. You want to be the successful Dr. Jekyll, but you don’t precisely know why the doubting Mr. Hyde seems to always be holding you back.

Here’s a dose of truth — you’re worth succeeding. Period. There is no, “but,” to that statement. If you read, “you’re worth succeeding,” and automatically tacked on a qualifier, there’s where Mr. Hyde gets his power. Often these doubts stem from not wanting to be in the spotlight. Promotions, career changes, launching a new business, or whatever next step to greatness you desire will put you under a microscope where everyone will see your weaknesses. You’ll be outed as a fraud or an impostor who has no idea what to do or how to lead. If that’s you, you’ve got to change that pattern of recurring thought right here and right now.

To put those fears behind you, you will have to ask and answer a few difficult questions.

What does the success you want look like and what happens when you achieve it?

What three steps can you take to begin moving toward that desired state right now?

Then it’s decision time. Will you take the incremental steps to be the success you’ve always wanted to be?

Here’s another dose of truth — there’s no such thing as failure, only feedback. For those who view their temporary setbacks as opportunities to adjust their approach in order to keep going, success is much less elusive. Failure is only failure if you quit. In my experience, success is a choice followed by consistent action over time. Make that choice and go for it.

Consider this …

1. What are the top three things you are afraid of?

2. How do these self-limiting beliefs repeatedly impact your ability to be successful?

3. What positive, consistent actions can you begin taking right now that will prove those fears wrong?

For more, check out The Top Performer’s Field Guide, The Innovator’s Field Guide, or visit www.JeffStandridge.com.

(Originally published in The Top Performer’s Field Guide.)