Fear in its myriad forms is always an obstacle to our growth. In most of the cases fear of failure is an impediment to realization of our goal. It acts as a demotivating factor. But in some cases fear of success also creates hurdle in our growth. I would like to share a true story in which a person was in grip of fear of success.

In our organization in-house training is imparted to candidates appearing in departmental examination. I served as a faculty member for some of the training classes. In one of the training sessions I found a participant indifferent and reluctant to my lecture. But he evaded my enquiries about his lack of interest in the training. At the end of the training session I asked him to meet me alone. When he came to me I flooded him with questions to know his mind. After getting assurance from me that I shall keep it confidential he told me about his anxiety. Actually the person was afraid of higher responsibility and accountability of the new post. He was not ready to adapt himself to the challenges of changed situation. He decided to continue in his cocoon.

The person, a clerk, was given promotion on the basis of seniority. It was mandatory to pass a departmental examination for confirmation in the new post. He did not write a single word in the exam and consequently failed and reverted back to his previous post of clerk. Now he was happy.

Success requires courage to move upward. But many persons like to live in their comfort zone. Bats and owls like darkness and fear light.

http://skpat.sulekha.com/blog/post/2008/07/fear-of-success.htm