Everyone talks about the fear of failure. But Cameron points out another subtler, more paralyzing fear: the fear that it will work. Because if it works, everything changes. And change is scary.
Everyone talks about the fear of failure. But Cameron points out another, subtler and more paralyzing fear: the fear of it working. Because if it works, everything changes. And change is scary.
Why success scares
Creative success brings with it things we don't always want: visibility, judgment, responsibility, change in relationships. If you write a book and it is published, people read you. If you paint a painting and it sells, people wait for the next one. If you start a creative business and it works, your life changes irreversibly.
For many people, that is scarier than failure. Failure leaves you where you are. Success forces you to become someone new.
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure."
Signs that you fear success
Self-boycott at the key moment
Everything is going well and suddenly you give up, change course or create a crisis. Just when you were about to take the step.
Downgrade your achievements
"It wasn't that bad." "I was lucky." "Anyone would have done it." Minimizing success is a way to keep it small so it doesn't force you to grow.
Projects eternally "almost ready"
If you've been doing something for months at 90% and you don't finish it, ask yourself: what would happen if I finished it? If the answer scares you, you've found the block.
How to move forward despite fear
Cameron is not proposing to eliminate fear — that is impossible. Proposes move forward with fear. Take the next step even if your legs shake. Send the manuscript. Hang the painting. Publish the post. Courage is not the absence of fear. It is action in spite of him.
"Do what you're afraid of. Not later. Not when you're ready. Now."
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