7 Fears That Hold You Back From Success (and How to Break Free)

Former U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt once famously said, “We have nothing to fear but fear itself.” While that may sound abstract at first, it holds a deeper truth: fear, more than any external factor, is often what paralyzes us and stops us from reaching our potential. It’s not always danger we fear — it’s the imagined consequences, the “what ifs,” and the possibility of failure that keep us from pursuing greatness. In fact, fear, when left unchecked, becomes the silent enemy of success.

Let’s explore how fear affects us — and more importantly, how to overcome the seven major fears that hold people back from living their best lives.

Good Fear vs. Bad Fear
Fear isn’t always the villain. At its core, fear is a survival instinct — an internal alarm system meant to protect us. A caveman’s fear of predators was essential for survival. But in our modern world, fear can often misfire. Instead of protecting us from real threats, it holds us hostage, blocking growth, success, and happiness.

For example:

Fear of swimming in shark-infested waters? Good fear.

Fear of leaving a toxic job to pursue your passion? Bad fear.

This blog focuses on bad fears — the ones that stop you from taking necessary risks and stepping into your purpose.

1. Fear of Risk
   Risk feels dangerous because it’s tied to the unknown. Our minds are wired to exaggerate potential losses and downplay possible gains. But without risk, there’s no reward.

How it holds you back:

Keeps you stuck in your comfort zone.

Stops you from trying new ventures, launching a business, or making bold moves.

Paralyzes decision-making.

Breakthrough tip: Start small. Take calculated risks and reflect on the outcome. Over time, you’ll train your brain to see risk as a stepping stone, not a threat.

2. Fear of Failure
   This is perhaps the most common fear — the fear of looking like a fool, losing money, disappointing others, or simply not being good enough.

How it holds you back:

Triggers procrastination, overthinking, and indecision.

Prevents you from starting, let alone succeeding.

Breakthrough tip: Redefine failure as feedback. Most successful people failed many times before they made it. Failure isn’t the opposite of success — it’s part of it.

3. Financial Fear
   Money fears are real and deeply rooted in our survival instinct. Whether it’s debt, job loss, or lack of savings, financial stress can consume your thoughts and affect your health.

How it holds you back:

Constant stress and anxiety.

Impaired decision-making due to fear-based thinking.

Missed opportunities because you’re too focused on what you might lose.

Breakthrough tip: Get educated about money. Create a budget, build an emergency fund, and seek financial advice. Clarity reduces fear.

4. Security Fears
   Security isn’t just financial. It also includes emotional, relational, and health-related fears. These fears often damage our self-worth and lead to anxiety, low confidence, and withdrawal.

How it holds you back:

Destroys confidence at work and in relationships.

Prevents growth by keeping you in “safe” but limiting environments.

Encourages mediocrity instead of mastery.

Breakthrough tip: Build self-assurance through small wins. The more you strengthen your inner sense of security, the less external validation you’ll need.

5. Fear of Change
   Change is inevitable — and often the gateway to transformation. Still, many people resist it because change often means discomfort.

How it holds you back:

Prevents you from learning new skills or adapting to progress.

Keeps you tethered to outdated methods or environments.

Stunts career and personal growth.

Breakthrough tip: See change as an opportunity, not a threat. Every change carries the seed of something greater if you’re willing to embrace it.

6. Fear of Rejection or Ridicule
   This fear often stems from childhood wounds — bullying, humiliation, or social rejection. It can make you overly dependent on others’ approval and fearful of being your authentic self.

How it holds you back:

Suppresses your voice, opinions, and individuality.

Leads to self-betrayal and low self-esteem.

Keeps you in a cycle of people-pleasing and inauthentic living.

Breakthrough tip: Practice self-acceptance. Realize that not everyone will like or accept you — and that’s okay. Your worth isn’t defined by others’ opinions.

7. Fear of Responsibility
   Taking responsibility means being accountable for your life — your decisions, your outcomes, and your impact. Some avoid it because of the pressure, the fear of failing others, or the desire to avoid blame.

How it holds you back:

Sabotages leadership potential.

Prevents personal and professional growth.

Hurts relationships due to lack of commitment or follow-through.

Breakthrough tip: Responsibility is power. The more ownership you take, the more control you have over your results and your destiny.

Final Thoughts:
Fear can be a warning sign — but it should never be a prison. The key to a fulfilling and successful life is learning to acknowledge your fears without letting them dictate your choices.

The good news? Fear can be faced. It can be challenged. And most importantly, it can be overcome.

You are stronger than your fears. Your dreams are worth the discomfort. Don’t let fear hold you back another day.

Which of these fears resonates with you the most right now?

Join the Regal Planet LifeMatics Class for deeper insights on success, wealth creation, and personal growth!
Wale Akinyemi

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