What if the next work is a total mess and they don’t like it? What if I disappoint them in the next stage?... What if I don’t deliver as they expect me to?
In as much as there is an underlying fear of failure, there is the also the fear of success. The fear of success is powerful too, it bites, and it can stifle your productivity. Since writing is what I’m currently doing, it’s fair enough if I use the example of writers. Most of them have come out of the closet and spoke about the fear of success, saying that after writing that one great piece that brought the whole world to a standstill, the success kind of paralyzed them. Everyone is sprinkling praise on you and raising your bar higher, to a point you are afraid of doing your next work. You walk with ‘what ifs’ nibbling at your brain. What if the next work is a total mess and they don’t like it? What if I disappoint them in the next stage?
It may also happen after winning big at a job interview. The HR stretches a hand to shake yours and with a smile says, “You are the perfect fit. We can’t wait to have you on board.” Good news, yeah? But deep inside you may be anxious and worried—what if I don’t deliver as they expect me to? According to psychology today, in some instances, success threatens to lead to disappointment
The following questions will guide you towards ensuring you swiftly fit into that new organization without having to feel like you’re driving a truck stuffed with eggs down a rocky road.
1. What’s this job all about? What’s the job all about? Remind yourself what interested you about it in the first place, what your salient strengths were and why you were picked for it. That will make you redefine and refine your belief that you are the best because you have what it takes
2. What do I need to know to do it well? That’s a simple question but it helps oodles. Dig and find out what you need to know, including targets, the people you’ll be working with, and the environment. This is something you can ask after the organization breaks the news that they want you on board
3. What’s my personality, and does it fit well here? Or do I need to whip myself a little into shape? What this question simply asks is: How can I give my best to the people I’ll be working with?
4. How can I get the best out of the people I work with? Now that you know how you can give your best to those you work with; you need to ask yourself how you can get the best from them.
With the above starter pack, a dose of self-drive, and a mind itching to learn, you should be able to navigate through without much trouble. Now you can breathe easy because you know what to do when you get that new job.
What are some of the fears holding you back?
