The whole concept of 'fear of success' can feel like a puzzle to our logical mind.
After all, if success is what we want, why would any part of us be afraid of it?
In my work as an EFT tapping coach, I often see that what looks like procrastination, overthinking, or fear of success is actually the nervous system trying to keep us safe. When the brain perceives success as risky - emotionally, socially, or professionally - it can trigger anxiety and self-doubt.
In this article, we'll explore why success can feel unsafe, how the survival brain works, and how EFT Tapping can help calm your nervous system so you can move forward with confidence.
Why Fear of Success Feels So Confusing
Most of us are familiar with 'fear of failure' and can recognize all the awful thoughts and negative feelings that accompany the idea of failing. Of not achieving what we set out to do with such high hopes.
But we balk at the idea of being afraid of succeeding. We reason, 'That's what I want, that's what I long for, why on earth would that be scary?'
Well perhaps it's all about safety!
My recent EFT Workshop was called Stop Overthinking... and it was a blast! We did some really deep work - including a lot of EFT Tapping (check out the scripts below) - but there were also a lot of light-hearted moments.
One of my favourite exercises came to me when I was lying in bed a couple of mornings before the workshop.
First thing in the morning, before I've even got out of my warm bed, is my favourite time to connect with ideas, inspiration and intuition. Before I have any interaction with the internet, other people or other input.
So I was lying there, musing about safety. About how it is perhaps, the bottom line of all our needs.
Maslow's Hierarchy and the Survival Brain
This is supported by Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs which he created back in 1943, and which is relevant to this day. Check out the two lowest tiers of his pyramid - physiological/survival and safety.
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And that led to a fun exercise, how our 'survival mind' interprets those traffic signs in our own lives!
Scan those signs to discover the 'rules' your brain has created for your life, especially when it comes to moving ahead and succeeding.
Here are some examples, that we came up with in the workshop, of the way our mind often perceives and interprets dangers:
- Stop & Give Way = Other people get to move ahead before me
- Hump = Life is full of obstacles & bumps which slow you down
- Maximum Speed 30 = It's not safe to move very fast, progress is slow
- Roundabout = A metaphor for our thinking minds, going round in circles
- Falling rocks and Slippery Road = Eeek, life isn't safe!
- Low Bridge = You'll hit your limits.
After that we had to tap!
EFT Tapping to Calm the Nervous System
Here's a short tapping script you can use when you are feeling stressed out and unsafe. This first one is to acknowledge what could be going on in your nervous system.
Before we start, here are the EFT tapping points we commonly use.
EFT Tapping Round #1: Acknowledge your thoughts and feelings
Start by tapping lightly on the side of the hand:
Even though my mind sees danger everywhere, I love and accept myself completely.
Even though moving forward triggers my nervous system, I love and honor myself completely
Even though it doesn't feel safe to move forward, to play bigger and succeed, and I constantly stop myself, I deeply and completely love honor and accept myself
Now tap round the EFT points as you say these words:
Eyebrow: I don't feel safe
Side of the eye: My whole system is on alert
Under the eye: Feeling threatened and afraid
Under the nose: I'll be judged and compared
Under the mouth: Criticised and put down
Collarbone: Other people will be upset
Under the arm: They may even reject or abandon me
Top of the head: It's not worth the risk, not to this part of me
Eyebrow: All this fear in my system
Side of the eye: All the self-doubt & anxiety
Under the eye: It feels safer to stop myself
Under the nose: Rather than risk getting put down
Under the mouth: I'm acknowledging my feelings
Collarbone: Honoring my thoughts and memories
Under the arm: Not trying to block them or shut them out
Top of the head: The fear is real and I'm just trying to stay safe
Stop tapping and take a moment to check in to how you feel now.
I suggest you go round the points a couple more times using the traffic sign interpretations that you came up with, recognizing the messages that you say to yourself on a conscious or unconscious level.
Before we continue, let's take a quick detour into how EFT is working with your nervous system!
Why EFT Tapping Helps When Success Feels Unsafe
When the brain associates success with danger - whether emotional, social, or professional - the nervous system reacts as if it needs to protect you. EFT Tapping works by calming the stress response while acknowledging the underlying thoughts and feelings. As the nervous system relaxes, it becomes easier to see new possibilities and move forward with greater ease and confidence.
When you feel much calmer you can do a positive tapping round - this one is all about choosing the thoughts that help you to move forward with ease and joy.
EFT Tapping Round #2: Choosing Supportive Thoughts
Tap on the side of the hand:
I choose the thoughts that support me, and I love and accept myself completely
I'm giving myself the power to choose my thoughts, and I love and honor myself completely
I am choosing my thoughts, I'm becoming more and more aware, and deciding which thoughts I like
And I choose my thoughts consciously, and I deeply and completely love, honor and accept myself.
Tap round the points, changing with each new phrase:
I have the power to choose my thoughts - and I choose ones that support and uplift me – I’m making my mind my ally - and I fill it with thoughts that inspire and encourage me - every moment I have the opportunity to shift my thinking towards positivity and possibility - I release all the thoughts that hold me back - and embrace those that move me forward
It is safe for me to believe in myself - and in my limitless potential - I take charge of my mindset - and I choose thoughts that help me grow and thrive - when self-doubt arises - I gently replace it with thoughts of confidence and courage - I give myself permission to think in ways that support my highest good -every thought that I choose - is a step towards becoming my best self - my thoughts shape my reality - and I create a life filled with joy success and fulfilment
Stop tapping and see how you feel now. Does it feel safer to keep moving forward? Is your nervous system feeling calmer? And your thoughts more positive?
Moving Beyond Survival Mode
Finally, can you move up from the survival levels of Maslow's Pyramid and enjoy your life just a little more? I hope so! Because the world needs you and everything you have to share, perhaps more than ever.
If you recognise some of these patterns - overthinking, self-doubt, or feeling unsafe about moving forward - EFT Tapping can help calm your nervous system and create a sense of safety around success.
You're welcome to book a free Tapping Discovery Call where we can explore what's going on for you and see how tapping and coaching might help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fear of Success
Why would someone be afraid of success?
Success can bring visibility, judgement, responsibility, and change. For the nervous system, these can feel like potential threats to safety or belonging. As a result, the brain may create subtle resistance in the form of procrastination, self-doubt, or overthinking.
What are signs of fear of success?
Common signs include overthinking decisions, procrastination, self-sabotage, avoiding opportunities, feeling anxious about visibility, or worrying about being judged or criticised.
Can EFT tapping help with fear of success?
EFT tapping helps calm the nervous system and reduce emotional triggers. By acknowledging fears while stimulating acupressure points, many people experience reduced anxiety and greater confidence about moving forward.
