First published 23 November 2025

Are you afraid it won’t work… or that it will?

I have a confession to make.  After far too long of talking about it, I finally finished and published my book over the summer.

Huge achievement, right?

Except now I’m avoiding promoting it.  I keep finding other things to do, other priorities, convincing myself “I’ll get to it next week.”

The rational part of me knows that people who could genuinely benefit from it will never know it exists if I don’t tell them.

So why am I sabotaging something I worked so hard to create?

Here’s what I realised when I got curious (and spoke to my accountability buddies) instead of beating myself up:

I’m not afraid it won’t work. I’m afraid it will.
 

The Fear We Don’t Talk About

We’re all familiar with fear of failure. But fear of success?

That’s the sneaky one.

Because succeeding could mean:

• Being truly visible (and open to criticism)
• People expecting more from you
• Your life changing in ways you can’t control
• Having to own your expertise instead of playing small
• Responsibility you’re not sure you can handle

Your subconscious whispers: “Stay small, stay safe.“

From an energy perspective, this makes complete sense.

The Kidney meridian governs fear and survival instincts.

When you’re about to step into new, visible territory, your Kidney energy can create resistance – it’s literally trying to keep you safe by keeping you in the familiar.

Your root chakra asks:

“Will I still belong if I succeed?”

“Will I still be me?”

Your solar plexus questions: “Am I really worthy of this?” When these energy centres sense threat, self-sabotage kicks in.

Not because you’re weak or broken, but because your system is trying to protect you using outdated information that’s no longer relevant or helpful.

A Different Question

Instead of asking “Why do I keep doing this to myself?” try:

“What am I afraid will happen if I succeed?”

For me?

I realised I wasn’t afraid my book would flop.

I was afraid people would actually buy it and use it.

That they’d find it useful and want more and then I would have to write the webinar and 6 week course that I’ve been talking about as the follow on – and that might be successful too!

That I couldn’t hide behind “still working on it” anymore.
 

Your Turn

Take a moment to notice where you might be holding yourself back from success.

Not failure – success.

Thank that protective part for trying to keep you safe, then gently remind it:

“I’m ready now.  Being visible is safe.  Success doesn’t have to mean danger.”

If this pattern feels stuck and you’re ready to identify and clear what’s really running beneath the surface, let’s talk.

Book a discovery call and we’ll explore how kinesiology can help you step forward without your system slamming the brakes.

Because the world needs what you have to offer – even if that feels scary.

With understanding (and a book I’m learning to talk about),

Angela

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The irony of writing about fear of success whilst still working through my own isn’t lost on me.  We’re all works in progress.  And my kinesiologist is helping me work through mine so that I have nowhere to hide!

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If you are interested, here’s a link to the book. I’m sure it would make a great Christmas present – hint hint 😉 – https://mybook.to/snapintocalm