Picture this: You've just landed that big client, hit your revenue goals, or launched a product to rave reviews. Everything's going great! But instead of feeling on top of the world, you're... anxious? Overwhelmed? Maybe even a little guilty? Don't worry, you're not crazy, and you're definitely not alone. Success can stir up a whole cocktail of unexpected emotions, and navigating them is a skill that doesn't often make it into business books. Let's dive into why success can sometimes feel uncomfortable and how to handle these surprising feelings.

Why Success Can Feel Weird

First, let's normalize these feelings. It's completely okay to have mixed emotions about success.

Here's why it happens:

• Imposter Syndrome: "Do I really deserve this?"
• Fear of the Next Step: "How do I top this?"
• Guilt: "Why am I succeeding when others are struggling?"
• Overwhelm: "Can I handle all this new responsibility?"
• Anticlimax: "Is this all there is?"

Recognizing these feelings is the first step to managing them. Now, let's look at some strategies to navigate this emotional terrain.

1 - Acknowledge Your Feelings

Start by giving yourself permission to feel whatever you're feeling. Try this:

• Take a few deep breaths and do a quick emotional check-in.
• Name the emotions you're experiencing without judging them.
• Remember that feelings aren't good or bad – they're just information.

By acknowledging your feelings, you're less likely to be blindsided by them.

2 - Celebrate Your Wins (No, Really!)

Sometimes we're so focused on the next goal that we forget to celebrate our achievements. Make celebration a habit:

• Keep a "wins" journal and review it regularly.
• Plan a small reward for yourself when you hit milestones.
• Share your success with your support network.

Celebration isn't frivolous – it's fuel for your entrepreneurial journey.

3 - Reframe Imposter Syndrome

If you're feeling like a fraud, try these reframing techniques:

• Remind yourself of the hard work that led to this success.
• List the skills and knowledge you've gained along the way.
• Consider how your success might inspire or help others.

Remember, you don't have to be perfect to deserve success.

4 - Practice Gratitude

Gratitude can help ground you when success feels overwhelming:

• Start a daily gratitude practice. List three things you're thankful for each day.
• Include both big wins and small joys in your gratitude list.
• Express thanks to those who've supported your journey.

Gratitude shifts your focus from what's next to what's now.

5 - Set New Goals Mindfully

Success often brings the pressure of "what's next?" Navigate this by:

• Allowing yourself time to enjoy the current success before rushing to the next goal.
• Setting realistic, incremental goals that build on your recent achievement.
• Ensuring your new goals align with your values and long-term vision.
  

Remember, success is a journey, not a destination.

6 - Handle Guilt Productively

If success brings guilt, channel it into positive action:

• Look for ways to use your success to help others or give back to your community.
• Mentor someone who's earlier in their entrepreneurial journey.
• Share your knowledge through blog posts, podcasts, or speaking engagements.

Turning guilt into generosity can amplify the positive impact of your success.

7 - Manage Overwhelm

Success often brings new responsibilities. Stay on top of them by:

• Breaking new tasks or projects into smaller, manageable steps.
• Delegating or outsourcing where possible.
• Maintaining boundaries and saying no to opportunities that don't align with your priorities.

Remember, it's okay to grow at a pace that feels comfortable to you.

8 - Reconnect with Your 'Why'

When success feels anticlimactic, it's time to reconnect with your purpose:

• Revisit your mission statement or the reasons you started your business.
• Reflect on how your success is helping you fulfill that mission.
• Consider how you can deepen your impact now that you've reached this milestone.

Your 'why' can provide direction when success leaves you feeling adrift.

9 - Seek Support

Just as you'd reach out during tough times, don't hesitate to seek support when success feels challenging:

• Share your feelings with trusted friends, family, or fellow entrepreneurs.
• Consider working with a coach or therapist to navigate these new emotions.
• Join mastermind groups or entrepreneur communities where you can discuss the realities of success openly.

Remember, it's not a sign of weakness to need support during good times too.

10 - Practice Self-Compassion

Be kind to yourself as you navigate these new feelings:

• Treat yourself with the same kindness you'd offer a friend experiencing similar emotions.
• Remind yourself that having mixed feelings about success is normal and human.
• Allow yourself time to adjust to new circumstances without expecting immediate comfort.
  

Self-compassion can help you find solid ground amidst the whirlwind of success.

Success in business is often portrayed as the end goal, the happily-ever-after. But the reality is that success, like any significant change, requires emotional adjustment. By acknowledging and working through these feelings, you're not just achieving success – you're growing into it.

Remember, feeling conflicted about success doesn't mean you're ungrateful or undeserving. It means you're human, and you're growing. These emotions are part of your entrepreneurial journey, signposts that you're moving into new territory. By developing strategies to navigate them, you're not just building a successful business – you're building emotional resilience that will serve you well in all areas of life.

So the next time success brings a swirl of unexpected emotions, take a deep breath, refer back to these strategies, and remember – you've got this. After all, learning to surf the waves of success is just another skill in your entrepreneurial toolkit. Ride on!

Watch this video for some more helpful tips on dealing with unexpected feelings.