Procrastination and Fear of Success – How to Overcome It
Procrastination often feels like laziness or lack of discipline, but for many writers, it’s something deeper—fear of success.
Yes, you read that right. Fear of success can be just as paralysing as fear of failure.
Why? Success represents change, and change can be intimidating. Questions like these might be lurking in your mind:
- “What if people actually read my book—what will they expect of me next?”
- “What if my book is successful, and my life becomes overwhelming?”
- “What if I can’t handle the spotlight?”
These thoughts create resistance, making it easier to avoid writing altogether. But the good news? Procrastination and fear of success are hurdles you can overcome. Here’s how.
The Problem: Success Can Feel Scary
When we dream of completing a book, we imagine the rewards: pride, accomplishment, maybe even recognition. But success often comes with expectations—real or imagined—and this pressure can make finishing the book feel overwhelming.
Bestselling author Elizabeth Gilbert openly discussed her fear of following the success of Eat, Pray, Love. She once said, “I had to ask myself whether I wanted to spend my life hiding in fear of that one book’s success—or whether I’d keep creating, no matter the outcome.”
Her story reminds us that fear of success is a natural response to stepping outside our comfort zone.
Strategies to Overcome Procrastination and Fear of Success
- Acknowledge the Fear
- The first step to overcoming any fear is naming it. Be honest with yourself: Are you worried about what finishing your book could mean for your life?
- Tip: Journal about your fears. Writing them down can make them less overwhelming.
2. Redefine Success
Success doesn’t have to mean fame or massive sales. It could mean finishing your book, sharing your story with a small audience, or achieving a personal goal.
- Actionable Idea: Write a definition of success that feels empowering, not intimidating.
3. Break the Process into Small Steps
Instead of focusing on the big picture—publishing and everything that comes after—focus on manageable tasks. Write one chapter, one scene, or even one paragraph at a time.
- Why It Works: Smaller goals feel less intimidating and help you build momentum.
4. Build a Consistent Routine
Procrastination thrives without structure. Set aside dedicated writing time daily or weekly and stick to it, even if it’s only for 20 minutes.
Author Haruki Murakami follows a strict routine of writing every morning, which he credits with helping him finish complex novels.
5. Visualise Positive Outcomes
Fear of success often focuses on worst-case scenarios. Instead, visualise how finishing your book could positively impact your life.
Imagine the sense of accomplishment, the readers who will be touched by your story, and the pride of seeing your name on a cover.
6. Set Boundaries for Success
Worried that success will bring too much change? Decide in advance how you’ll manage it. For example, commit to writing one book at a time or limiting promotional activities to what feels manageable.
Why Facing Your Fear Matters
Procrastination caused by fear of success is a protective instinct, but it holds you back from the fulfilment of finishing your book. Writing isn’t about meeting the expectations of others—it’s about expressing yourself and sharing your voice with the world.
Author Neil Gaiman once said, “The world always seems brighter when you’ve just made something that wasn’t there before.”
Finishing your book is an act of creation, and the benefits far outweigh the fears.
A Thoughtful Action to Take
Today, write down three ways finishing your book will positively impact your life.
- Will it bring closure to a story you’ve carried for years?
- Inspire others?
- Allow you to call yourself an author?
Hold onto these reasons as motivation whenever fear starts to creep in.
Remember, success isn’t something to fear—it’s something to embrace. Every word you write is a step closer to a milestone that will fill you with pride and open doors you’ve yet to imagine. Take that step today.
If you wish to share how procrastination and fear of success affect you, book a discovery call with me.