Why Success Scares Us More Than Failure
The Top Components of Success
Remember this. Success doesn’t always feel successful. When you hit your goal, there’s always something else to strive for. That’s the nature of success — it’s a moving target. To embrace it, you must accept that the journey never truly ends.
The principles of success are simple to understand but can be challenging to maintain. It requires recognizing that success doesn’t happen overnight and shifting your mindset from “it’s impossible” to “It’s definitely possible, and if not I’ll Find a way to make it possible.”
Why We Say No to Success:
One common barrier to taking action toward success lies in what psychologists term the “fear of success.” Dr. David M. Allen, a psychiatrist, describes this phenomenon as a subconscious avoidance of achievement due to fears of negative consequences, such as alienation, envy from peers, or increased pressure to perform. This fear can subtly manifest as procrastination, self-sabotage, or hesitation, even when the path forward seems clear. Complementing this idea, self-determination theory by psychologists Edward Deci and Richard Ryan suggests that people are more likely to overcome such barriers when their motivations shift from external pressures to intrinsic goals rooted in personal values. The key to taking action often comes from connecting your goals to what truly matters to you, which helps break through the mental barriers holding you back.
Commitment: The Foundation of Success
Let’s talk about some of the process. There are 24 hours in a day. How are you using that time? From the moment your alarm goes off to the time you go to bed, what have you done to invest in yourself? Are you in bed a lot? find yourself watching TV or scrolling for hours or even minutes? Ok, now imagine dedicating just one day — let’s say just 18 full hours — to your dream. Imagine what could you achieve in 18 hours? The information you could collect. Many of you could even feel successful after the first day.
Success requires relentless commitment. Figures like Oprah Winfrey and Michael Jordan didn’t stumble into greatness; they worked tirelessly for it.
Commitment, however, also means balancing life’s other priorities — family, friends, and community. Without balance, success can feel empty. Balance is important. Family is your biggest support.
Rejection: Is A Stepping Stone to Growth
Rejection is inevitable. It’s not how people respond to you, it’s how you respond to a rejection. Do I quit, or do I keep going? Choices.
Everyone who you believe is successful has faced some form of rejection — don’t let them fool you with their outer appearance. It’s just a part of the process. Rejection isn’t failure; it’s feedback, and learning to grow from it is essential to moving forward.
Adaptation Around Us: The Key to Staying Relevant
Adaptation is critical. When I was a kid, the 6 o’clock news was an event. Today, news is instant, with updates hitting our phones in real time. When was the last time you rushed home to see the news to know what’s going on? This shift has disrupted industries like media and radio.
Radio stations are no longer what they used to be either. DJs now pre-record shows, and the industry has shifted toward podcasts and social media. I’ve seen this evolution firsthand as a journalist and TV host.
How flexible are you in the face of change?
What are you willing to adapt to in order to thrive?
Ask yourself these questions and then answer them.
One of my biggest personal struggles has been adapting to this social media era. Early in my career, TV news, entertainment, whatever you want to call is — the path to succeed in these industries was clear: work hard, overcome challenges, make mistakes, and grow stronger through those experiences. Today, social media stars can rise to fame from their bedrooms, often bypassing the process it takes to be a strong leader in this world. The stamina to become successful.
My response isn’t to give up or lament the shift. Instead, I’ve had to adapt, crafting a social strategy to remain relevant and competitive in this new landscape. Change is constant, but staying true to yourself while evolving is the key to survival.
Small hint. Very very important…. It’s not easy but YOU CAN ACHIEVE IT.
In Closing
Success is not an endpoint; it’s a continuous journey. It demands commitment, adaptation, and resilience in the face of rejection. As you pursue your dreams, remember that the road will always change, but your determination to succeed must remain steadfast.
And here’s a recap: Commit to your goals, adapt to the times, and never let rejection deter you. The journey will be hard, but the reward lies in the growth and strength you gain along the way. Success is not for the faint of heart, but for those willing to keep climbing, no matter how steep the path.
Go get em’ soldier!
