"Sometimes it is difficult to face success because we think we're not worth it. We devalue ourselves, and run ourselves down. (Don't do that.) It's pretty easy to imagine how the fear of failure holds so many people back. But for neurodivergent people, sometimes we fear the opposite. What if things go too well? It can be difficult to face success because with more success comes more eyes on us. It brings attention, and attention brings pressure-along with the risk of burnout, meltdowns, and more."
"One time, I was invited to be on television to comment on a big issue that was brought to light by my own journalism. And guess what: I was a total, massive failure in that TV interview. As soon as the host asked the first question, my mind went blank, and I couldn't think of anything to say. I'd had no media preparation, so I didn't know what would happen when I called into the show on video."
Success can trigger fear in neurodivergent people that mirrors fear of failure and prompts self-sabotaging behavior. Increased success brings visibility, attention, and pressure that raise risk of anxiety, meltdowns, and burnout. Greater expectations create more decisions and more chances to disappoint imagined audiences, producing escalation and perceived exposure that feels unsafe. Lack of preparation and unexpected conditions can cause freezing, blanking, and performance failures under spotlight. Common responses include delaying submissions and minimizing voices. Managing the stress of success is urgent to prevent harm and sustain well-being during achievement.
Read at Psychology Today
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