A hard truth that few people are willing to accept: they are the only ones responsible for their own success — and they are the only ones responsible for the lack of it, too.
The challenge of coming to terms with being the reason you’re not successful is uncovering the “why” behind it.
Why am I blocking my own success?
Why am I unable to get out of my own way?
Why can’t I change these patterns of behavior?
The simple answer: you’re subconsciously sabotaging your own success.
Here’s the comforting fact, though, as humans, we are all susceptible to self-sabotaging behavior at one point or another. While it very rarely, if ever, serves us well, becoming aware of the behavior CAN be a good thing.
Self-awareness is the key to overcoming those self-sabotaging behaviors! So, today, I’m going to help you identify FIVE specific signs of self-sabotage so you can stop those thoughts and behaviors before they stop you!
Your expectations aren’t realistic
It’s important to set big goals for yourself, but it’s also important to be honest and realistic about the journey it will take to get you from where you are now to where you want to be.
All too often we set high expectations and become easily discouraged and frustrated when our expectations aren’t met.
Start creating an actual plan of action for all of your goals — with steps that you are required to take along the way — to help yourself set reasonable expectations!
You’re too hung-up on receiving validation from outside sources
It’s normal to want a pat on the back, or 100 likes, or 50 e-mail sign-ups — they’re proof that the work you’re putting in is paying off! BUT, it’s not normal to only feel motivated by those outside sources of validation.
Start seeking validation from within. Feel motivated and uplifted by the way you’re showing up for yourself and your dreams! The outside validation will follow, and feel 1,000x better when you’re already feeling fulfilled.
You’re stuck in the procrastination loop
Ah, the most common self-sabotaging habit that we are ALL guilty of being sucked into. The procrastination loop. It’s hard to avoid, right?
I always thought so, too, until I started setting some real boundaries for my workdays. I found that when I was saying yes to every meeting, over-delivering on every project, and getting myself into tight, back-to-back deadlines that I was WAY more prone to procrastination.
When you actually set boundaries, create time for rest, and breaks within your day you will absolutely feel less inclined to dillydally the tasks on your to-do list. Mental rest is essential. Make time for it, and procrastination won’t be such a temptation.
You rarely, if ever, ask for help
I will say this until I’m blue in the face: asking for help is a sign of strength not a sign of weakness!
This is one of the worst self-sabotaging behaviors because 9 times out of 10 you are fully aware that you NEED help and that it could be hugely beneficial to you.
It’s time to stop being too proud or too ashamed to ask for help. Help is the pathway to success. Keep repeating that to yourself until you believe it!
You don’t believe investing in yourself is worth it
Why is it so hard to believe that an investment in yourself is an investment in your wealth? We’ve all got bills to pay, but at the end of the day we’re still all guilty of spending money on more non-essential, frivolous things like those new nail polish colors, or that daily Starbucks run.
It adds up, and it adds up quickly!
What you really need to realize is how you prioritize your spending. A course to teach you how to create passive income is going to be far more valuable to you than that new quick-dry Essie nail polish.
Start being real with yourself about your spending habits, and start seeing the real value in investments that help you progress towards success.
Did you know that I have an entire podcast episode dedicated to this topic?! If you are willing to take a serious look within and ready to stop blocking your success both personally and professionally, listen to this episode!