--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: People procrastinate because they are…" description: "\"People procrastinate because they are afraid of the success that they know will result if they move ahead now.\" — Denis Waitley" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1d7/denis-waitley-977_afraid_people-procrastinate-because-they-are-af_2380507.jpg" --- # People procrastinate because they are afraid of the… ![“People procrastinate because they are afraid of the success that they know will result if they move ahead now.” quote by Denis Waitley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1d7/denis-waitley-977_afraid_people-procrastinate-because-they-are-af_2380507.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1d7/denis-waitley-977_afraid_people-procrastinate-because-they-are-af_2380507.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1d7/denis-waitley-977_afraid_people-procrastinate-because-they-are-af_2380507.jpg) > “People procrastinate because they are afraid of the success that they know will result if they move ahead now.” [Denis Waitley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/denis-waitley/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. People delay actions because they fear the consequences of success, so the anxiety about future responsibilities stalls progress. **In simple terms:** Fear of success causes procrastination Key Takeaway Identify and address fear of outcomes Themes procrastination fear success Mood anxious motivational Type psychological advice When to use this quote - career advancement - creative projects - personal growth Key Concepts psychology of motivation self‑sabotage Questions to Reflect On - What would happen if you succeeded? - How can you prepare for post‑success challenges? A Different Perspective Success can bring new pressures that feel overwhelming. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Afraid](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/afraid/) [Afraid Success](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/afraid-success-1726671/) [Fear of success](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fear-of-success/) [Ifs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ifs/) [Knows](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/knows/) [Moving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/moving/) [Moving ahead](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/moving-ahead/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) [People Procrastinate](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people-procrastinate-429425/) [Postponing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/postponing/) [Procrastinate](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/procrastinate/) [Procrastinate Afraid](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/procrastinate-afraid-4858951/) [Procrastinating](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/procrastinating/) [Procrastination](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/procrastination/) [Productivity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/productivity/) [Results](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/results/) [Someday](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/someday/) [Stop procrastination](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/stop-procrastination/) [Success](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/success/) ## Related quotes > [Procrastination is the fear of success. People procrastinate because they are afraid of the success that they know will result if they move ahead…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/denis-waitley/procrastination-is-the-fear-of-success-people-procrastinate-because/) [Denis Waitley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/denis-waitley/) > [Know the true value of time; snatch, seize, and enjoy every moment of it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lord-chesterfield/know-the-true-value-of-time-snatch-seize-and-enjoy-every-moment-of-it-3/) [Lord Chesterfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lord-chesterfield/) > [Never put off till tomorrow what you can do day after tomorrow just as well.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mark-twain/never-put-off-till-tomorrow-what-you-can-do-day-after-tomorrow-just/) [Mark Twain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-twain/) > [Some people procrastinate so much that all they can do is run around like firefighters all day - putting out fires that should not…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nido-r-qubein/some-people-procrastinate-so-much-that-all-they-can-do-is-run-around/) [Nido R Qubein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nido-r-qubein/) > [I think every writer doubts themselves, every day. You procrastinate because you're afraid. You're always afraid it's not going to be as good as…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/geoff-johns/i-think-every-writer-doubts-themselves-every-day-you-procrastinate/) [Geoff Johns](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/geoff-johns/) > [I think every writer doubts themselves, every day. You procrastinate because you're afraid. You're always afraid it's not going to be as good as…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/geoff-johns/i-think-every-writer-doubts-themselves-every-day-you-procrastinate-2/) [Geoff Johns](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/geoff-johns/) > [No matter how much time you've wasted in the past, you still have an entire today.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/denis-waitley/no-matter-how-much-time-you-ve-wasted-in-the-past-you-still-have-an/) [Denis Waitley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/denis-waitley/) > [Procrastination is the fear of success.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/denis-waitley/procrastination-is-the-fear-of-success/) [Denis Waitley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/denis-waitley/) > [Time is an equal opportunity employer. Each human being has exactly the same number of hours and minutes in a day.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/denis-waitley/time-is-an-equal-opportunity-employer-each-human-being-has-exactly/) [Denis Waitley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/denis-waitley/) > [Ironically, when I hit adolescence, I was approached about modeling and acting all the time. And, for five years, I said, 'No, I'm not…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/evangeline-lilly/ironically-when-i-hit-adolescence-i-was-approached-about-modeling-and-2/) [Evangeline Lilly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/evangeline-lilly/) > [Most of us are afraid of our success, that we will actually be great.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laurence-fishburne/most-of-us-are-afraid-of-our-success-that-we-will-actually-be-great/) [Laurence Fishburne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laurence-fishburne/) > [My therapist says I'm afraid of success. I guess I could understand that, because after all, fulfilling my potential would REALLY cut into my…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maria-bamford/my-therapist-says-i-m-afraid-of-success-i-guess-i-could-understand/) [Maria Bamford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maria-bamford/) > [May you do your best and dont be afraid. success is like a ball in air it depends on you, how you catch it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hussein-nishah/may-you-do-your-best-and-dont-be-afraid-success-is-like-a-ball-in-air/) [Hussein Nishah](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hussein-nishah/) > [Find a good teacher that will keep the game fun. Work hard and don't be afraid to have success or disappointment. That is what…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paula-creamer/find-a-good-teacher-that-will-keep-the-game-fun-work-hard-and-don-t/) [Paula Creamer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paula-creamer/) > [I'm sure not afraid of success and I've learned not to be afraid of failure. The only thing I'm afraid of now is of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anna-quindlen/i-m-sure-not-afraid-of-success-and-i-ve-learned-not-to-be-afraid-of/) [Anna Quindlen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anna-quindlen/) ## More by Denis Waitley > [Self-respect and a clear conscience are powerful components of integrity and are the basis for enriching your relationships with others.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/denis-waitley/self-respect-and-a-clear-conscience-are-powerful-components-of/) [Denis Waitley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/denis-waitley/) > [Optimism boosts your energy and focuses your sights on reaching your goals, rather than wallowing in your setbacks.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/denis-waitley/optimism-boosts-your-energy-and-focuses-your-sights-on-reaching-your/) [Denis Waitley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/denis-waitley/) > [You can only do good if you feel good.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/denis-waitley/you-can-only-do-good-if-you-feel-good/) [Denis Waitley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/denis-waitley/) > [Life is self-fulfilling prophecy.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/denis-waitley/life-is-self-fulfilling-prophecy/) [Denis Waitley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/denis-waitley/) > [There never was a winner, who wasn't a beginner.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/denis-waitley/there-never-was-a-winner-who-wasn-t-a-beginner/) [Denis Waitley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/denis-waitley/) > [The greatest limitations you will ever face will be those you place on yourself.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/denis-waitley/the-greatest-limitations-you-will-ever-face-will-be-those-you-place/) [Denis Waitley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/denis-waitley/) > [The easiest thing is to make sure you feel happy and satisfied in this moment. Setting long term goals is much more effort taking,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/denis-waitley/the-easiest-thing-is-to-make-sure-you-feel-happy-and-satisfied-in/) [Denis Waitley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/denis-waitley/) > [You must get money to chase you, but never let it catch up…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/denis-waitley/you-must-get-money-to-chase-you-but-never-let-it-catch-up/) [Denis Waitley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/denis-waitley/) > [Contentment is for cows; a challenging purpose is for people.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/denis-waitley/contentment-is-for-cows-a-challenging-purpose-is-for-people/) [Denis Waitley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/denis-waitley/) > [The season for enjoying the fullness of life - partaking of the harvest, sharing the harvest with others, and reinvesting and saving portions of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/denis-waitley/the-season-for-enjoying-the-fullness-of-life-partaking-of-the-harvest/) [Denis Waitley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/denis-waitley/) > [Goals are like stepping-stones to the stars. They should never be used to put a ceiling or a limit on achievement](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/denis-waitley/goals-are-like-stepping-stones-to-the-stars-they-should-never-be-used/) [Denis Waitley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/denis-waitley/) > [The two greatest fear busters are knowledge and action](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/denis-waitley/the-two-greatest-fear-busters-are-knowledge-and-action/) [Denis Waitley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/denis-waitley/) > [Positive self-expectancy is the first, most outwardly identifiable quality of a top-achieving, winning human being. Positive self-expectancy is pure and simple optimism: real enthusiasm…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/denis-waitley/positive-self-expectancy-is-the-first-most-outwardly-identifiable/) [Denis Waitley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/denis-waitley/) > [The seeds of greatness are ideas you learn from people who've been great in their service to others.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/denis-waitley/the-seeds-of-greatness-are-ideas-you-learn-from-people-who-ve-been/) [Denis Waitley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/denis-waitley/) > [Discipline is doing within, while you do without.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/denis-waitley/discipline-is-doing-within-while-you-do-without/) [Denis Waitley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/denis-waitley/) [Explore all 316 Denis Waitley quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/denis-waitley/) ## More Afraid quotes > [It took me 20 years to buy an electric typewriter, because I was afraid it would be too sensitive. I like to bang the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elmore-leonard/it-took-me-20-years-to-buy-an-electric-typewriter-because-i-was/) [Elmore Leonard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elmore-leonard/) > [“Carrie Fisher. “Stay afraid, but do it anyway.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gabrielle-union/carrie-fisher-stay-afraid-but-do-it-anyway/) [Gabrielle Union](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gabrielle-union/) > [I used to be afraid of my temper, but it turns out I don't really have one.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zoe-bell/i-used-to-be-afraid-of-my-temper-but-it-turns-out-i-don-t-really-have/) [Zoe Bell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zoe-bell/) > [I get afraid of the dark if I'm in a great deal of dark, and I have to move around inside of that fear...…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/emil-ferris/i-get-afraid-of-the-dark-if-i-m-in-a-great-deal-of-dark-and-i-have-to/) [Emil Ferris](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/emil-ferris/) > [I am not afraid of praise, for I have practiced it on myself.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-david-thoreau/i-am-not-afraid-of-praise-for-i-have-practiced-it-on-myself/) [Henry David Thoreau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-david-thoreau/) > [I'm a pretty fearless person. I'm afraid of, like, creepy men in white vans and sidewalks with no streetlights. But I'm not afraid to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/josie-totah/i-m-a-pretty-fearless-person-i-m-afraid-of-like-creepy-men-in-white/) [Josie Totah](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/josie-totah/) > [I will support my party when they are right on an issue, but am not afraid to stand up to party bosses who are…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/darlene-senger/i-will-support-my-party-when-they-are-right-on-an-issue-but-am-not/) [Darlene Senger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/darlene-senger/) > [Why am I so afraid to loose you,when you're not even mine?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/why-am-i-so-afraid-to-loose-you-when-you-re-not-even-mine/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [I want to tell you, but I cant, becuase I'm afraid if I do you'll never treat me same the again](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cristina-orante/i-want-to-tell-you-but-i-cant-becuase-i-m-afraid-if-i-do-you-ll-never/) [Cristina Orante](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cristina-orante/) > [Mistakes I've made in the past make me afraid to try new things in the future. I want to be perfect.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-altucher/mistakes-i-ve-made-in-the-past-make-me-afraid-to-try-new-things-in/) [James Altucher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-altucher/) > [“Humans are naturally scared and confused beings. They not only fear the unknown, as they live fearing themselves... ☥”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/luis-marques/humans-are-naturally-scared-and-confused-beings-they-not-only-fear/) [Luis Marques](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/luis-marques/) > [If you are too afraid of failure, you cant possibly do what needs to be done to succeed in living a fulfilling life. The…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/melchor-lim/if-you-are-too-afraid-of-failure-you-cant-possibly-do-what-needs-to/) [Melchor Lim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/melchor-lim/) > [We cannot be afraid of the dark that they live in.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/burnie-burns/we-cannot-be-afraid-of-the-dark-that-they-live-in/) [Burnie Burns](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/burnie-burns/) > [“I think the reason we're cruel sometimes is that we're afraid we're going to like something.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elizabeth-berg/i-think-the-reason-we-re-cruel-sometimes-is-that-we-re-afraid-we-re/) [Elizabeth Berg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elizabeth-berg/) > [I'm still with that feeling that I am afraid of doing the wrong thing, because somebody is going to punish me.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eartha-kitt/i-m-still-with-that-feeling-that-i-am-afraid-of-doing-the-wrong-thing/) [Eartha Kitt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eartha-kitt/) [Browse all 5,519 Afraid quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/afraid/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "People procrastinate because they are afraid of the success that they know will result if they move ahead now.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Denis Waitley" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/denis-waitley/people-procrastinate-because-they-are-afraid-of-the-success-that-they/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Afraid" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/denis-waitley/people-procrastinate-because-they-are-afraid-of-the-success-that-they/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1d7/denis-waitley-977_afraid_people-procrastinate-because-they-are-af_2380507.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1d7/denis-waitley-977_afraid_people-procrastinate-because-they-are-af_2380507.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1d7/denis-waitley-977_afraid_people-procrastinate-because-they-are-af_2380507.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“People procrastinate because they are afraid of the success that they know will result if they move ahead now.” — Denis Waitley", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Denis Waitley", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/denis-waitley/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "People procrastinate because they are afraid...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/denis-waitley/people-procrastinate-because-they-are-afraid-of-the-success-that-they/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/denis-waitley/people-procrastinate-because-they-are-afraid-of-the-success-that-they/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```