Fear of Success

Dear Dr. LeCrone:

I’m a junior in college (barely) and will probably flunk out if things don’t change soon. I feel kind of weird saying this, but I think that I hate to make decent grades. I go to class (most of the time) but blow the tests. My closest friend tells me I have a fear of succeeding. Is this possible?

Dear Reader:

The short answer to your question is yes. However, your question poses many possible reasons for your problem. With this being said, let me discuss the fear of success.

This complex problem is often viewed as one in which the individual fearing success actually fears change.

• “If I make better grades will my old friends still like me or maybe think I am getting too good for them?”

• “Will good grades cause everyone to expect me to always make good grades?”

• “Will good grades produce envy or jealousy in other people,
something that I couldn’t handle?”

• “Will good grades make me successful and then cause my parents to think that I should be more responsible or perfect in other areas of my life?”


Self-esteem issues may be at stake with some individuals who fear success.


• “Do I really deserve to be seen as someone who makes good grades and may have more ability than other people?”

• “Will good grades somehow call attention to me which I haven’t earned and don’t want?”

• “Will good grades really make me happy or just reduce a craving for more success?”

A fear of loss might be involved in the fear of success. The following questions are also a possible part of the inner dialogue in individuals fearing success and ultimately, loss.

• “Will I be able to handle the times when I may not do as well on a test and then make a lower grade?”

• “Will other people think that I am a fake if I don’t always make good grades?”

• “If I make good grades and am seen as successful, will other people see me as something different and cause me to lose my true identity?”

This brief discussion of the fear of success just touches the surface of a subject which may or may not be the cause of your problem. A thorough evaluation by a trained professional in education and/or mental health should be your next step.

Harold H, LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D Copyright © 2004