How to Overcome Success – Nicholas Wilton – Ep 170

This week, I’m exploring the three primary fears that creatives often grapple with: the fear of failure, the fear of what others will think, and, intriguingly, the fear of success.

I’m sharing how these fears manifested in my life as I transitioned from a commercial illustrator to a fine artist. A period of personal upheaval and the loss of all my work became a catalyst for profound transformation, leading to the birth of Art2Life and my path as a coach and fine artist.

Let go of old mindsets, embrace change, and learn more about art’s vital role in this alchemical process of self-discovery and success. Art is not just a product—it’s a transformative journey back to your authentic self. So take small steps, play, and keep your vision alive. Whether you’re creatively curious or already an experienced artist, this episode will give you some practical steps to help you move past your fears and toward the creative life you’re looking for.

Listen if you are interested in…

• Why the fear of success hinders personal growth (0:00)
• Making art helped me overcome depression and marked the start of my fine art career (5:41)
• Fear of success can secretly hold you back (8:03)
• Many struggle with calling themselves artists due to imposter syndrome and fear of judgment, though everyone is inherently an artist (13:57)
• Immerse yourself in environments and communities that align with your passions (20:18)
• Address your underlying beliefs and fears from childhood (24:14)
• Laughing at adversity is powerful; try not to take life too seriously (28:13)
• Playing and creating art fosters self-realization, success, and transformation (29:11)

Visualizing Success

Every piece of art contains hints and directions for future creations, and this fun anticipation of future possibilities inspires artists to visualize success. By recording ideas and reflecting on their visions, artists are better equipped to overcome the fears and doubts that accompany the creative process. Artists can tap into this foresight to enhance their personal expression and cultivate authenticity in their work.

Confronting Underlying Beliefs and Fears

Addressing the deeply rooted beliefs that shape our perceptions and actions is central to personal growth. These beliefs, often ingrained during childhood, can obstruct our progress. For instance, the notion that hard work directly translates to success can lead to false expectations and eventual disillusionment.

This introspection naturally leads to a confrontation with fear—specifically, the three predominant fears in the art world: fear of failure, fear of judgment, and fear of success. Each of these fears presents unique challenges. The fear of judgment, for instance, means we hold back, wary of criticism and comparison.

But we need to look at the fear of success because we need to let go of past identities to fully embrace our potential. Through creativity, artists can bridge connections to their innermost truths. When you fully engage with your art, it is therapeutic and helps you rebuild confidence.

Playfulness and Faith in the Creative Process

Embracing play encourages curiosity and breaks the monotony of relentless striving. Engaging with your art allows you to find joy and purpose, even amidst challenges. Like a plant needing a larger pot, humans sometimes require a change of environment to foster growth. Often, we need to take a look at our surroundings and the mental containers we occupy, and adapt in so we can expand and explore new opportunities.

Art is more than just creation—it’s a journey of self-discovery and transformation. By embracing creative practices, artists step closer to their best selves, shedding fears, outdated beliefs, and constraints. In doing so, we cultivate a life enriched with authenticity and purpose, allowing our art to echo the aspirations of their true identity.

Resources & People Mentioned

• Kurt Cobain
• Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

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