Why do we sometimes feel a notable sense of guilt when we succeed? This phenomenon is perhaps more common than you realize.
| Let's take five minutes to see this week in a new light. | | | Success is exciting. It's often the culmination of hard work, self-determination, and a winding path full of its fair share of bumps. So why is it that we sometimes feel a notable sense of guilt when we do find success? This phenomenon is perhaps more common than you realize. | | | There is plenty that you can do to move past these feelings, so that you're able to better enjoy the success you've achieved." | | | Guilt is complicated and everyone experiences this feeling in unique ways. However, there are some common reasons why people do feel guilty about their success. | - Being the first in their family to experience success: Navigating this uncharted territory when your parents and/or siblings haven't can lead to complex emotions.
- Imposter syndrome: Imposter syndrome is the experience of feeling like you achieved success without actually earning it, and can be accompanied by worry that you'll be "found a fraud." Interestingly, the more success people find the more they are likely to experience imposter syndrome.
- You feel like success came too easily: Quick success may cause guilt because you feel like you didn't put in as many hours or as much effort to deserve the success you've found.
- Other talented people haven't found the same success: If you become successful, you might feel guilty because you know others who are still struggling. You might feel those others are just as talented as you are, and work just as hard as you do.
| Knowing that it's normal for personal success to prompt feelings of guilt can help you make peace with the complexity of emotions you're feeling. The following can also help:
- Examine your feelings: Take time to sit with your feelings so you can better understand what's prompting them. Journaling can be helpful, as can discussing your experience with a trusted friend or therapist.
- Use your success for good: There are many ways you can use your success to help others ranging from charitable deeds and contributions to helping others navigate your field so they, too, may find success. As a bonus, science tells us that performing this kind of work increases our happiness.
- Consider what it took for you to get here: Sometimes revisiting the path it took you to find your success can help remind you how hard you worked, even if it all seems "easy" now. Consider the bumps you navigated along the way and the mental fortitude you put forth.
| | Ways to Nurture Your Mind and Body | | This week, grab a journal and take 15 minutes to sit with any complex feelings you have regarding success. What's causing you to feel guilt? What can you do to channel those feelings into a healthier mindset? | -
Hosted by Lewis Howes, The School of Greatness features interviews with influential people who share their stories of finding success, dealing with loss, and finding a sense of purpose in life. | | | |
|
|
No comments:
Post a Comment