“If not you, then who else?” - Dr. Abraham Maslow
SUMMARY: Fear of success can prevent you from reaching your full potential, devaluing your goals due to fear of change or increased responsibility. To overcome this, a legendary psychologist suggests spelunking your subconscious with 4 introspective questions, followed by a negotiation with your inner imposter.
Can you visualize greatness? Can you see yourself as a Fortune 500 CEO, a nation’s President, or a Grammy-winning composer? How about a successful entrepreneur, a best-selling author, or a keynote speaker? You're not alone if the notion makes you blush, cringe, or giggle. But if not you, then who else?
In The Farther Reaches of Human Nature, Dr. Abraham Maslow—one of the founders of humanistic psychology and the famous Hierarchy of Needs Theory—wrote an essay titled “The Jonah Complex,” describing a phenomenon called “evasion of greatness.” As the Biblical tale goes, Jonah fled his ordained mission and was swallowed by a whale, a potential allegory for your fear of success, where backing down from reaching your peak potential can lead to languishing.
Understanding Counter-Valuing
Research reveals that people fear their highest aspirations as much as their lowest failures. You may be just as likely to fear getting a promotion as losing your current job. This behavior, described by Maslow as “counter-valuing,” makes you devalue your goals due to fear of change or increased responsibility. A high-potential leader might hesitate to advance to a CEO position, fearing immense responsibility. A visionary politician might doubt their ability to lead a nation, opting for a less demanding role. A talented musician might fear the cutthroat music industry and avoid pursuing a Grammy despite their potential.
Acknowledge Your Negative Emotions
Fear of success, according to Maslow, can breed 4 specific counter-values: 1) Envy (Fear that you cannot achieve similar success), 2) Jealousy (Fear of losing what you have), 3) Presentiment (Anxiety about future responsibilities), and 4) Nastiness (Projecting insecurities onto others). When you’re inclined to evade greatness, Maslow recommends introspective inquiry. Here are 4 simple questions to consider:
- Why do I feel envy? (e.g., You might envy a colleague's promotion because you fear you cannot achieve the same.)
- Why do I feel jealousy? (e.g., You might feel jealous of a friend's success because you fear it threatens your status.)
- Why do I feel presentiment? (e.g., You might feel anxious about a new role because you're worried about increased responsibilities.)
- Why do I feel nastiness? (e.g., You might criticize others' achievements because of your own insecurities.)
There’s a good chance that the voice warning you to evade greatness is not yours. Imposter syndrome affects 70% of people, is closely linked to fear of success, and often leads to avoidance of self-promotion.
Transmute Fear Into Action
In “The Jonah Complex,” Maslow shares an actionable insight about his colleague Aldous Huxley (who wrote the classic dystopian novel Brave New World):
“[Huxley] was able to accept his talents and use them to the full. He managed it by perpetually marveling at how interesting and fascinating everything was, by wondering like a youngster at how miraculous things are, by saying frequently, ‘Extraordinary! Extraordinary!’ He could look out at the world with wide eyes, with unabashed innocence, awe, and fascination, which is a kind of admission of smallness, a form of humility, and then proceed calmly and unafraid to the great tasks he set for himself.”
This reflection underscores the importance of reframing counter-values to transcend fear. Maslow suggests that once you’ve acknowledged the negative feelings, you subsequently engage in their “transmutation.” Ask instead:
- How can I transform this envy into humility? (e.g., Instead of envying a colleague's promotion, appreciate their hard work and be inspired by their success.)
- How can I transform this jealousy into admiration? (e.g., Admire a friend's achievements rather than feeling threatened by them.)
- How can I transform this presentiment into appreciation? (e.g., Embrace new responsibilities as opportunities for growth.)
- How can I transform this nastiness into adoration? (e.g., Celebrate others' successes and learn from their journeys.)
Don’t let your inner imposter have the final word. Present them with counter-values to their counter-values, and invite healthy debate. This simple cognitive reframing approach fosters positive emotions and fortifies you with the courage to pursue your highest aspirations.
If Not You, Then Who Else?
Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo, initially struggled with self-doubt and fear of her potential. Born in India, she faced cultural constraints and societal expectations that often limited women’s career aspirations. Despite her reservations and fear of immense responsibility, Nooyi harnessed her talents and leadership skills, becoming one of the most influential women of color in business. She reflected:
"I think the one thing I wish I had done better is believe in myself more. I was always pushing myself, but I was also holding myself back, thinking, ‘I am not ready yet.’ In reality, you are never going to be 100% ready. You just have to take the plunge." (via)
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the first female President of Liberia and the first elected female head of state in Africa, faced monumental challenges. Sirleaf initially hesitated to pursue leadership due to Liberia's political instability and societal barriers. However, overcoming her inner imposter, she led her nation through post-civil war reconstruction and won a Nobel Peace Prize. She said:
"There were times I doubted my ability to lead this nation. The challenges seemed insurmountable, and I feared I might not be able meet the expectations placed upon me. But I learned that courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it." (via)
Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of "Hamilton" and “In The Heights,” experienced early career self-doubt. Despite his talent, Miranda was apprehensive about whether mainstream audiences would accept his unique style and stories. Overcoming these fears, he embraced his creative potential, winning five Grammys. He shared:
"There was a part of me that was terrified of putting my work out there. I worried my voice wasn't enough. But I realized that if I didn't take the risk, I'd never know what was possible."
Answer Your Call To Greatness
When you find yourself inclined to resist a call to greatness, reflect on Jonah's odyssey. Failure to realize your potential can send you into the belly of the beast—a lonely cavern of self-doubt and regret. However, like Jonah, you can use the solitude to meditate on your feelings, embrace your destiny, and return with resolve.
Embrace your suppressed desire for greatness by reframing self-sabotaging counter-values into humility, awe, and wonder.
Look inside to go outside.
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