Afraid of Success?

ColleenDeBeasi

I've noticed something lately, and I'm wondering if anyone else has felt this way or had any strategies to get around it. I feel like I'm afraid of success.

Here's an example. I've been on week 5 of couch to 5k for ever. At first, it was because I was feeling like it was tough to finish the 5 minute runs. I've worked my way up, and it's time to finish that 20 minute run. I keep finding "reasons" not to do it, and I've realized that I'm worried about not being able to do it. Intellectually, I know it's no big deal to just stop for a few seconds and keep going. I also know that I CAN run for 20 minutes. I spin several times a week, and feel like I have great cardio endurance. But for some reason, I'm having a hard time getting to actually doing it. I love running, and I'm really excited to complete my 5K and then work my way up to some longer distances. I know I'll be successful, and I can SEE myself finishing races.

Another example (and when I decided to post this). Since 12/26, I have lost almost 20 pounds. This feels awesome, and I was thinking about where I'd be in August/September, and realized that I could lose another 20 pounds, and that would be amazing. I have a ways to go, but again, I can see myself doing it (at least that low... I don't really know what It's like to be too much lower than 200). When I started thinking about it though, I started getting nervous- I could feel some butterflies.

Maybe it's because this time, I feel like I really have most of it figured out. I know my demons, and for the most part am good at keeping them at bay. I'm working out, fueling my body,, and feeling good. Maybe it's because deep down, I know that this is it, and that I"m going to lose the weight.

Sorry for the length of this post- any thoughts are appreciated!!

klame

I can relate; I'm new to this setting, but have been struggling with weight my whole life. I think on some level I'd rather stay heavier than loose and gain again. Last year I was ill and lost about 10lbs...people were commenting and telling me I looked good, but long behold, I gained the weight back and now I am so embarrassed since getting all those comments last year. I'm trying to stay motivated by focusing on how much healthier I will be and how much better I will feel rather than what others think, but those negative thoughts are still there. I welcome any other feedback from those who have felt this way and what they did about it.

mrsjepsen

Self Sabbotage. Everyone experiences this.

Tell your minds to STFU with it's negative thoughts. You've done great. And you'll doing great. You know you have to just push past the self sabbotaging ways of thinking and the way you act to get to the result you want. You are so close already. Kepp going!

Klame- First 10 lbs is the mark where you either give up or keep going. For everyone. So are you going to keep going or give up? You are going to keep going this time! Yesterday was the day I normally "give up" because "meh, i lost 10lbs - i can have some pizza now"...But I didn't and this morning I just kept going with my healthy ways of eating and workouts. I don't want to hear ANY haters getting happy because i quit doing what my body needed to look better. And people will do that if you quit on yourself.

It also helps if you don't inform friends and family of 10lbs lost. If someone asks what you've been doing, just simply say you've been working out and eating better. Keep your numbers to yourself. This helps- I promise! Then at the end, Make your Before & After pictures and success story. You will feel better about yourself and results during this whole process. You are going to have ups & downs, But not everyone needs to know which stage you are at. Just yourself needs to know. It's easier to push past that the "downs" when you only have YOURSELF to answer to. I can handle disappointing someone else. But i CANT handle disappointing myself!

Hope this helps!!
*have a good weekend*