048- How to Stop Sabotaging Your Own Success and Get Out of Your Own Way

Some posts on this blog contain affiliate links. If you click them, I may earn a small commission. It does not cost you anything extra, but this commission helps cover the cost of running this website.

Dr. Seuss is known for his whimsical and inspiring quotes, and one of his most famous comes from his book, "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" He writes, "Oh, the places you'll go!... I'm afraid that some times you'll play lonely games too. Games you can't win 'cause you'll play against you."

This quote is a reminder that, while we may have grand plans and dreams for our lives, we also can create our own obstacles and challenges. Sometimes we get in our own way and engage in negative self-talk or self-sabotage that prevents us from reaching our full potential. Do you do this sometimes? Me too.

Playing "lonely games" against ourselves can be a destructive pattern, leading to feelings of frustration, disappointment, and even depression. We may set unrealistic expectations for ourselves or engage in self-doubt that holds us back from taking risks and pursuing our goals. To overcome these self-imposed obstacles, we must learn to recognize and challenge our negative thoughts. This means reframing our self-talk to be more positive and compassionate, setting realistic goals and expectations, and acknowledging and celebrating our successes along the way. One step at a time as they say.

So, while "Oh, the places you'll go!" is a wonderful reminder of our potential for greatness, it's important to also remember that we may face challenges along the way, some of which are self-imposed. By recognizing and challenging these obstacles, we can move forward with greater confidence and achieve the success we desire.

Have you ever felt like you're your own worst enemy? Do you find yourself holding back from reaching your goals and dreams, even when you have the potential to achieve them? If so, you're not alone. Many people struggle with self-sabotage, a behavior that prevents them from realizing their true potential. The good news is that you can learn how to get out of your own way and start living the life you've always wanted. Here's a few things that I've found can help to work through this problem (and many other problems).

The first step in overcoming self-sabotage is to identify the problem. Isn't this the first step in most things?! Take a moment to reflect on your behavior and the areas of your life where you feel stuck or held back. Are there patterns of behavior or thought that are preventing you from moving forward? Are you procrastinating, doubting yourself, or constantly fearing failure? Once you identify these patterns, you can begin to address them. Which brings me to the next point...

Self-awareness is the key to overcoming self-sabotage. How self-aware are you? Spend time reflecting on your thoughts, emotions, and actions. Journaling can be a helpful tool for this purpose. Write down your thoughts and feelings, and pay attention to any recurring negative self-talk or limiting beliefs. By becoming more aware of your inner dialogue, you can start to challenge and change it. I'm more of a list-maker when it comes to these types of things, rather than a paragraph journaler. How 'bout you?

Many times, self-sabotage is driven by thoughts like "I'm not good enough to do (fill in the blank)," "I don't deserve success," "I'll never succeed" or "There's already someone else doing this (and doing it better than I could." These beliefs can be deeply ingrained, but they are not based on reality. We've all heard someone say, only some of the stories we tell ourselves are true. Challenge these beliefs by asking yourself for evidence to support them. Often, you'll find that there is little or no evidence to back them up. Replace these limiting beliefs with positive, empowering ones that support your goals and aspirations.

One of the most common ways people sabotage themselves is by procrastinating. Don't let fear of failure or perfectionism hold you back. Take small, consistent actions toward your goals. Remember that progress, not perfection, is what matters. Some people say, done is better than perfect. Each step you take brings you closer to your desired outcome.

Be kind to yourself during your journey to overcome self-sabotage. Understand that setbacks and mistakes are a natural part of growth. Treat yourself with the same compassion and understanding that you would offer a friend facing a similar challenge. Remember that self-improvement is a process, and it's okay to stumble along the way. Getting out of your own way and overcoming self-sabotage is a journey that requires self-awareness, determination, and patience. By identifying the problem, challenging limiting beliefs, setting clear goals, taking consistent action, seeking support, and practicing self-compassion, you can break the self-sabotage and move closer to achieving your goals. Remember that you have the power to create the life you desire, and with persistence and a positive mindset, you can overcome any obstacle in your path. Make yourself proud!