A Misdiagnosed Fear of Success

I used to fear success. I probably still do.

But that’s not the root of my problems, it was a misdiagnosis. These things happen.

The real story is that I used to fear trying hard and losing anyway. I used to fear failing despite giving my best effort.

Because if I ever tried my best, but still came up short, well now wouldn’t that suck.

It sucks to suck.

But there are a lot of talented people in the world, it’s hard to win.

And there is some comfort and safety in not going all-in.

Because once you’re the standard, you’re always the standard.

It’s a lot to live up to.

For a long period of my life, I was okay with not going for it, telling myself there would plenty of time, later.

But then I remembered that no matter what I tell myself, the clock is ticking.

And when it came down to it, I got tired of feeling average. Because I know that’s not what I am.

Writing in public is a powerful motivator.

It makes you do things.

When you regularly write about your thoughts, loves, fears, goals and emotions an incredible amount of clarity comes from it.

In this distracted world of ours, clarity is a superpower.

This clarity gives you confidence. It gives you self-awareness. It gives you purpose.

And it brings out the best you have at a time when the world needs it the most.