Scared of success!!!

by 60 replies
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I have been involved in Internet Marketing for a long time. I have never really made any real money. I switched it up a bit and tried PPC to Clickbank and now I am making hudreds a day in profit and have been for the last few months now. This scares the crap out of me.

How, if you grew up pretty much broke your entire life, do you change your mindset to handle having lots of money? This is absolutely not a braggin session, this is a legitamate concern.

Please advise,
Shawn
#mind warriors #scared #success
  • Acceptance, that you deserve the money basically.

    Have some fun with it ;-)

    -Ryan
    • [1] reply
    • Gee I wish I had the same problem.
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  • Oh, my. Just visited your sig links... you would do well to read the articles at your own site!
    :-)


    "God did not create man to be totally depraved -- born in original sin and predestined to damnation. You were NOT born in sin -- you were born in perfection. Rid yourself of guilt before entering the Holy Moment and know that you are perfect in the eyes of God for he knows no other condition than perfection." - from your site
  • If your avatar would have looked like mine I would have thought I wrote this thread. Its funny how you say you are scared about the money flow just stopping. When I first started making money all I kept thinking about was when it was going to end. Not if, but when.

    I finally stopped worrying about it and started trying to diversify income and obviously build up cash reservers. Just incase for some strange, unexplained, black monday, reason the money does stop, I'm not left in the dark.
  • Thank you everyone. I plan on diversifying because I do feel most of the fear is coming from the fact that I haven't had this kind of money before and I don't really know how to handle it.

    I am going to do exactly as kitfanc suggested and build up a reserve. Maybe that will make the fear subside. Maybe time itself will make the fear subside.

    Just having people to discuss this issue with has already made me feel a little better about it.

    Thank you all very much.
    • [1] reply

    • Jester -- I wish I was having that problem~
      I have known for a long time I have a fear of 'success' ..for some reason I equate it with too much 'accountability/responsibility' that I'll screw up
      Unfortunately - that equates into ....screwing it up on the way instead of upon arrival.
      I really enjoy this guy and his casual method of pumping you up karlmoore.com
      kind of like a personal mental trainer and much more mellow than a Robbins - type

      Have a great day --and yes, enjoy your new found riches!! set some back for yourself/future, do something you would really Like to do and give back/pay it forward and it will only get better for you~

      Andie
      • [1] reply
  • Like most people, you have been programmed from birth to regard money as scarce and that it must be "deserved" in some way.

    Money is really energy - it flows in to your life and out of your life as you joyfully spend it. Just go with the flow.

    It is a fact that 93% of money in the world does not really exist. It has been "generated" on a computer.

    The USA is $10 trillion in debt, plus around $100 trillion in derivatives, but less than $1 trillion has any corresponding value. Years ago all money was backed by Gold - now it is just "legal tender" printed - generated - by the Federal Reserve back who are actually a private company mostly owned by Europeans, and is as "federal" as Federal Express

    Just relax, enjoy and let it flow.
  • Feel proud of your achievement, since you deserve it. Help the less unfortunate ... and enjoy life!

    Alex
  • Well, this problem (if it's a problem at all!) of yours is certainly something that you should embrace. Don't let your fear of success hold you back from taking things to the next level and most importantly enjoy it!
  • The issue is not a fear of success, it is a feeling of unworthiness. My main niche is in these areas and I see it all the time - it works the other way around as well.

    Shawn - everyone on the planet is here to enjoy unbounded success, joy and freedom, but humans sabotaged that a couple of thousand years ago through materialism, "work" and "money", which, along with religion, are instruments of control. Look at the recent "financial crisis" - all orchestrated along with all similar events since the 1920's.

    Nature is abundant - look around you - scarcity does not exist - it is a human affliction.

    Claim your birthright with joy.

    Of course we should also help others, so when you feel the time is right help others in some way. It does not need to be money - another human invention - it can be anything that improves the experience of another.

    Let the money flow and it surely will. Share with others and you will be blessed.
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
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  • You know what I would recommend?

    Taking a personal finance class. It can be a free community college one, or an online community college course at low cost.

    That's what I'm enrolled in right now, and just being able to read in-depth about money and investing and so on -- helps me ease any intimidation I had, and instead look at money from a more level-headed perspective.
    • [1] reply
    • Good idea. I strongly recommend you get yourself a home accounting software like Intuit or MS Money.

      It is excellent discipline to account for every cent - while celebrating all you have spent.

      Never be afraid to spend money - it has to flow.
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  • my only advice: do not fear income look at it as what it is : freedom

    also make sure to invest / save a good % for a rainy day / troubled times

    also you already have your entry plan and are well on your way into it , but put some thoughts on your exit plan as well which few people think of.
  • Congrats, enjoy it and save the money. Things can change on a dime.
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  • Don't. Put the money in a business account, and pay your personal account an amount of money that you're comfortable having. When you start feeling like you should get a raise, give yourself one.
    • [1] reply
    • Everyone here has offered valuable advice and encouragement. I especially liked apc01's replies. The very first time I had a website set up (many years ago) and sold a booklet I wrote, it was scary that so many people purchased so quickly. I was elated but also uncomfortable with the sudden flurry of activity and the steady flow of cash. So, I can relate to what jestershaw is saying here.
  • Become a giver!

    Best way to lift your perception of how much money you deserve is to know in your heart that you're going to put it to great use...

    Give a bum who comes up to you and asks for change $20 and a word of encouragement, you never know when a few dollars and a few kind words will change someones life for the better!
    • [1] reply
    • Well said. The purpose of money is not only to make your life easier but to be a blessing to others. So don't settle for just making enough to get by. Dream big so you can give to others. The more you have the more you can give. Nothing wrong with wanting a lot. Just share your blessings with others
  • never take any thing for granted. be prepared for anything, and whatever you do, never let money turn you into a jerk
  • Hi Shawn -

    I think you really need to get to the bottom of why you're scared. Ask yourself the question in a quiet place (before going to bed helps me) - sleep on it - and then write down anything that comes into your head on waking. You must write it down - you will forget otherwise!. Look at what you've written and try to make some sense of it.

    Maybe you're scared because it sets you aoart from your family and friends? You feel they'll reject you? you know someone rich and don't like the person they are and you're scared of becoming like them? You think deep down that you dont deserve your success?

    Whatever it is, you need to do a bit of self-love and get in touch with your spirit. Money is not the root of all eveil - bad people are. If you are a good person, you can do some much more good in the world if you are a good person with money. Take time to do some self development. You will be fine.

    And seriously - many congratulations on your success. Well done!

    Susan
  • Hi Shawn,

    Success CAN be scary - I think that's why many people quit before they achieve their goals/dreams. It sounds totally backwards, but I know it's true.

    There's some great advice here. Build a reserve so that you feel like you have a little breathing room - that takes a lot of the pressure off. And having an attitude of gratitude will help you stay in touch with yourself and not focus quite so much on "the money."

    I think being able to give back, too, will really help you to ground yourself a bit. Donating to worthy causes will help ease that feeling that you don't deserve your success.

    BTW, congrats on your success!

    Debbie
  • Why are you scared of success and handling money. Money is something that is always less even if you earn more and more so don't get scare about it and if you can't handle some good money then try to donate and help people
    Also always try to go up and be proud of your success and don't ever get scared of it.
    Thanks
    Webmatic
  • I think doing some research on Joe Vitale and the concept of "clearing" would help. Clearing is basically clearing away beliefs that interfere with manifestation, although in your case it would be backwards. You are already making money and want to "clear" away. Do some research- i think what you find could really help.
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    Success can be scary at times i agree especially when you have not seen much of it during your entire life.I think it is good to feel a little fear but it should not overpower you.instead you should focus on acquiring extra skill extra knowledge,move up the skill and knowledge ladder ,if you will continue to do that money will run behind you ,you do not have to run after it and yes you will be much more at peace with yourself
  • Wow, I wish I could say the same. I have been all over the place, have so much knowlegede but no success yet but I'm gonna get there.
  • This is my trick: Fear is a great tool for me. It appears when I have a _strong_ desire for something (example: money) and a belief that contradicts it. (BTW, A belief is just a thought that one keeps thinking)

    Long story short: Use the fear to focus on what you want. If you feel fear, is because you really, really, really want something that you know would be good for you.
    This is good, because you know what you really want!

    Now, if fear emerges write down what contradictory beliefs (thoughts) are causing the negative feeling. And gradually replace them by something that feels good to you. Be easy with this. Gradually replace your negative thoughts by positive ones. Don't avoid the negative, just replace them by focusing on the contrary. Do a lot of positive "What if...?" list in your mind. Practice. This is the only thing that make me earn thousands, instead of hundreds.

    You have identified what you really want, this is important.
    Just pay at least 51% of your attention to thoughts that feels "better". Better is enough, do not try to jump from fear to total bliss and heaven on earth in 10 seconds, because those quantum leaps usually don't last.
    Just be easy and be playful about it.

    Good changes will occur and you will be up to speed with them!

    Now you know what I do. And it is the ONLY thing in the world that worked for me.

    Warm regards,
    Gaby
    P.S.: And if you can't find a better feeling thought because you are accustomed to negative ones... then try this until your mind pattern begins to change: just sit for 15 minutes a day focusing only on your breathing. You can also visualize a geometric shape in your mind, something that doesn't evoke emotions.
    Just 15 minutes, no less, no need for more...
    Again, it _really_ worked for me. And I wish you all the best... I bet you already know all this!
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    • [1] reply
    • Being scared of success is a real fear and should be treated as such. There are so many people out in the world that have the fear of success. I realize a while ago that I had this same fear. I would find myself at the top of my game and then all of a sudden I would do something to sabotage it. This happened to me over and over again. I never saw myself as doing the sabotaging, it was always someone or something else.

      I believe you are on the right track in first realizing you have his fear. As GI Joe always says "knowing is half the battle". I agree with many of the posts here. You have to realize that you deserve the success you have received.

      T. Harv Eker says he can spend ten minutes with you and tell you what he calls "Your Money Blueprint". Your money blueprint is how you feel about money and success on the inside. It is a fact that most people who win a large amount of money (such as the lottery) in a very short time will end up with the amount of money they started with. That amount of money they are comfortable with.

      You have to change the way of think about money and success. Using positive affirmations can help. Say them every morning and every night, hang then on your bathroom mirror. Say them out loud. Do this for at least 21 days and you will start to find your way of thinking about money and success will change. If you would like the list of affirmations I use please let me know. I will post them..

      Thank you and I wish you continued success in your Marketing endeavor, be passionate about what you do, continue to persevere and success will continue to follow you.

      Thom Swartwood
  • Thanks for forwarding this useful information. But the price we get for PPC program participation is very low if compared with other jobs, I have in hands. After all, it is earning v/s time. Content writing is better paying job.
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    Yes thom after seeing your two wonderful threads on leadership,which impressed and motivated me,i am sure you would have some really good tips on affirmations too.Kindly start a thread on it if you have time or atleast post that list of affirmations.
    Thanks!
  • that was quite a good piece of info...
  • Why you scares? why you don`t only enjoy your time and be happy with the new great job you have, why you don`t simply start thinking how i can creat my business and get it growing more and more, you may save some money so you can reassure yourself witha stable financial position.

    Thanks
    `
  • Working on your personal development is a must. Books, tapes, cds, etc. Hire a coach if you need to. Know that you deserve it, and that there is no reason to be afraid.
  • Glad you made it.
    If you have found your way to here, I`m sure you`ll be able to keep on rollin`.

    Now you can test Bo Derek statement:
    "Whoever said money can't buy happiness simply didn't know where to go shopping." :rolleyes:
  • smart thing to do will be to protect it, in a LLC and build it into wealth.

    i mentioned in a thread, that i will be hosting a blogtalkradio show on setting up an LLC in Nevada. an attorney with 20 years exp. will be the guest.

    you're welcome to attend.

    much continued success,

    sdcast
  • Hey Shawn,
    Good for you! You deserve success. You have worked for this and it isn't as if you have won the lottery and been given the money for nothing.

    Take some quiet time to figure out why you are afraid of your success...scared of losing that income? Scared of what others will think? Whatever the reason try and and figure it out and then work your way through that fear.

    Whatever you do enjoy your success. If you have created it honestly you have absolutely nothing to worry about. Be loud and proud of your achievement!

    Keep up the good work
    Anna
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  • This may sound kind of "out there", but it works. Give something back to the community. Volunteer to teach IM or web design or whatever to the Boy and Girls Clubs once a month. Support a local charity for the less fortunate (even if it's only $20 a month). Create a website where all the profits go to charity. "The more you give, the more you recieve." Believe me, I am not a religious zealot. But even Warren Buffet and Bill Gates do this. It works!
  • Life is about growth. You should be happy that you were able to move past this difficult part of your life and be open to receive what is coming at you now. Embrace it! Be happy that this is happening to you now. A lot of people would want to be in your shoes right now.
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  • No offense, but I can not understand how you can't handle recieving tons of money! lol

    Maybe because I havn't reached there yet, we'll see hahaaha!
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  • Hello Shawn, if I were you I would just keep doing what you are doing and enjoy the money. I have been in your position and I know what it's like.

    Ray
  • Hi Shawn

    As a psychologist I just have to pipe up here. Everyone is giving you good advice and I applaud you for being able to name what you're going through.

    You are feeling the perfectly normal anxiety that is part and parcel of "re-inventing" your identity. The "fear" of success should really be called "the anxiety of change".

    As you make money with your business, much about how you think of yourself and your place in the world, is and will continue to change from the identity you had up until you started making money.

    Your fear that the money you are making now could suddenly disappear is kind of your subconscious throwing you a warning flare that if you don't get comfortable with your new identity of "online money maker" that you will ease your anxiety by somehow sabotaging your success so you can "re-calibrate" back to your old more comfortable identity. Losing your income stream in IM would be one way of "changing back".

    The inability to handle and work through the anxiety of change is why so many people become "stuck" at some point along their path of change, regardless of the type of change, weight loss, anger management, career advancement, or creating a six figure income when you are programmed for a 5 figure income.

    I highly recommend a couple of books (psychologists love books!). The Answer by John Assaraf and Murray Smith. Also, someone else mentioned T Harv Eker his book Secrets of the Millionaire Mind is excellent for helping you create your identity as someone who makes a lot of money.

    There are a lot more but the bottom line is the fear and anxiety are a good sign you are developing a new identity as a successful IM guy. The trick is to embrace that metamorphoses by consciously doing the inner work necessary so you don't inadvertently screw up your success.

    Best Wishes

    Megan (aka: Dr. Meg)
    • [ 2 ] Thanks
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  • don't be scared of success..as long you earn it and you deserve it
    • [1] reply
    • Just remember that Fear is:

      alse
      vidence
      ppearing
      eal

      Embrace your new found success and be grateful for it. Allow your gratitude to carry you to even higher success!
  • Keep reinvesting it in other opportunities to make sure it lasts!
  • You deserve the money. You worked hard for them and you should not be afraid that you have what you have always wanted.
    Never be afraid of success! You deserve it because you worked to be here!
  • Jetershaw great that you have identified it and asking for advice. I had the same issue like this before on offline methods. Educating yourself on habits and investments got the fear out of me. Financial peace university gives a solid foundation on money habits. Dave Ramsey is an absolute veteran in handling money. check him out! Fear comes from unknown. when we bring light to it fear dissappears. Education is the best to get rid of fear. Good luck to you and congratulations in sharing your success.
  • Use the money for something good. Give your parents some...maybe they earned it? Do something funny with your friends...expand your business, buy a car with cash...there is so many things to do, when you have the money in your hand.
  • Some people can't handle success. But I sure can handle some of your secrets in making money online. I am spread very thin, financially. Any help will be welcome.
  • Hey Jester, I'm in the same boat as but here's some advise that was given to me...go out and get Napoleon Hills "think and Grow Rich" that will change your whole mindset.
  • If you can handle poverty, luxury should not be a problem.
  • Hey Shawn, Sometimes it takes a long time to work on our subconscious programs on our own. It may be best to do a course that can help guide you through these clearings. Christie Marie Sheldon offers an Abundance Course which is Amazing!!!
    Here is the link: www.unlimitedabundance.com/‎

    Here is a caption from the site:
    Christie Sheldon is an Intuitive Healer and Medium. She uses her abilities to shift, change, and transform people's lives. She has worked with over 10,000 clients and demonstrates these talents frequently on radio and live events. Her work such as Love and Above and Unlimited Abundance are best-selling home training
    programs on the web.

    Best Of Luck!
  • You guys do realise this thread is is circa 4 years old, right?

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  • 70

    I have been involved in Internet Marketing for a long time. I have never really made any real money. I switched it up a bit and tried PPC to Clickbank and now I am making hudreds a day in profit and have been for the last few months now. This scares the crap out of me. How, if you grew up pretty much broke your entire life, do you change your mindset to handle having lots of money? This is absolutely not a braggin session, this is a legitamate concern.