Episode 122 – Conquering the Fear of Success or Failure with Josh Berger

The Brand Strategy Podcast Mental Health Series with Josh Berger Have you ever struggled with fear of failure? Or even the fear of success? In the entrepreneurial world fear is a common word I hear over and over again. But why is it that as humans we fear failure and ALSO success? I’m excited to introduce you to something a little new on the Brand Strategy Podcast. Over the next few weeks, we’re going to dive into some content that’s a little different than the usual brand strategy and business content we usually talk about on this show. Instead, I’m inviting you into a series of conversations surrounding some of the most subtly pervasive mental health battles we face as entrepreneurs. I’m chatting with a licensed therapist, Josh Berger, who also happens to be my big brother, about some of the most common struggles, thought patterns, and barriers we all encounter as humans and especially as entrepreneurs. Together we’re peeling back the curtain on some of these ideas so you’re able to not only develop a better understanding of yourself and your struggles, but also how to have a clear path to move forward. Hit play on the media player above and hang out with us! Conquering the Fear of Success or Failure with Josh Berger At this point in our relationship, I believe you know I care deeply about equipping you with the tools you need to pursue your definition of success, whether that is strategy-based or in this case more emotionally based. Josh Berger, a licensed professional for over 10 years joins us to share more about his experience with success and failure. “With fear of success and fear of failure, I think the first word of both of those is what’s so important,” Josh explained. “It’s a base of fear and fear is something a lot of us struggle with and if it turns into a sort of theme in our life it can turn into anxiety where it feels where you feel more comfortable being nervous and having worries then you are comfortable in being peaceful and successful.” He talks about how fear of success and fear of failure is more of a both-and versus an either-or feeling because they are all based on one common theme: fear. TWO MINDSETS AROUND FEAR There are two common mindsets around fear. The first being: do I have what it takes? This is where many of us feel fear of failure because we aren’t sure if we can possibly do what it takes to make x, y, or z happen. The second mindset is: imposter syndrome. Yup, I know we all feel this one. You’ve probably thought things like: I got here by luck. I actually am not a big deal. I’m not good at business I just deceived other people into thinking I’m good. I don’t actually know what I’m doing … Both of these mindsets are part of our human condition. Unless you’ve done a ton of self reflection to overcome these mindsets, you will at one point or another experience them in different ways.  Fear obstructs our ability to see the possibility and opportunities. But when we experience fear, we’re protecting ourselves from something. Tune in to hear Josh explain more about the two mindsets around fear. THE TIMELINE OF FEAR AND SUCCESS Do you know if you’re suffering from fear of success or fear of failure? Josh gives us a super interesting exercise.