Why Am I Afraid of Getting What I Want?

Have you ever worked incredibly hard for something, only to feel afraid when you realize you might actually get it? I've been asking myself that question lately. Growing up in El Salvador, I learned early that I had to prove myself. Because my grandmother owned a school, people often assumed I had advantages or that my accomplishments came easily. But I started working at 14, and those early experiences of being judged stayed with me longer than I realized. Now, decades later, I'm recognizing how those old fears still show up. I'm currently competing for Top Host 2026, an opportunity I genuinely want. Yet every time I promote myself or ask for votes, I find myself worrying about what people will think. Will they think I'm selfish? Vain? Am I asking for too much? In this episode of Brave Moves, I'm sharing my personal experience with the fear of success and how reading Success Is an Inside Job by Judith Truesdell helped me recognize the connection between fear, anxiety, and our need for approval. I'm also talking about how I'm learning to recognize those old stories, question whether they're still true, and keep moving toward the things I want, even when I'm uncomfortable. What You'll Hear in This Episode Why fear of success can be just as powerful as fear of failure How childhood experiences can influence the way we pursue recognition as adults Why promoting yourself can feel uncomfortable, especially when you've spent years trying to prove your worth What I'm learning about fear from Judith Truesdell's Success Is an Inside Job How small actions can help us move forward without waiting for fear to disappear Why wanting recognition for your hard work doesn't make you selfish Your Brave Move of the Day Ask yourself: "If I knew nobody would judge me for succeeding, what would I do differently?" Think about something you've been holding back from pursuing or sharing because you're worried about how others might react. Then choose one small action you can take today. Maybe it's sharing an accomplishment, asking for support, or finally telling someone about a goal you've been keeping to yourself. You don't have to eliminate fear before taking action. You can acknowledge it and still make a decision that supports what you want. Mentioned in This Episode Book: Success Is an Inside Job by Judith Truesdell Top Host 2026: I'm currently in the running for Top Host, and I would be grateful for your support. Vote here: https://tophost.org/2026/julie-delucca-colllins Connect with Julie Join me on Brave Moves as we explore confidence, personal growth, habits, and what it takes to keep moving forward when life gets uncomfortable. If this episode resonates with you, share it with someone who might be holding back from pursuing something they want. And I'd love to hear from you: Have you ever been afraid of what people would think if you succeeded? If you loved this episode, text me and let me know what you though. Support the show Why Isn't This Working? QUIZ Get $150 off your FACTOR Meal Plan . Brave Moves is a daily confidence and personal growth podcast for ambitious women, women entrepreneurs, and leaders who are ready to overcome self-doubt, build resilience, and take bold action in business and life. Each short, practical episode blends mindset science, decision-making psychology, and real-life stories to help you strengthen your co