This post explains what self-sabotage behaviors show up when it comes to our goals and careers. And how we stop ourselves from getting in our own way.
You talk yourself out of doing something. You can’t press send until it is absolutely perfect. Or, you just don’t have the energy to work on that project.
All of these descriptions are normal everyday actions right?
Well if these actions are attached to a long-term goal you are trying to achieve, then these simple little acts are a cover-up for self-sabotage behaviors.
But why would you attempt to self-sabotage a well-intended goal you set out to achieve?
That is an excellent question!
So let’s explore the reasons why self-sabotaging is getting in the way of your future and how to clear your path towards crushing those goals.
What You will Learn in this Post:
What is Self-Sabotage?
Conscious or unconscious behaviors preventing you from completing tasks that are tied to long-term goals.
Why Would I Self-Sabotage My Career?
Isn’t it a little counter-intuitive to think that we would prevent ourselves from achieving our career goals or stop us from launching a side business?
Yes. But that's what happens when you have experienced a layoff, firing, or a failed attempt to start a business.
These life-changing experiences can impact how you navigate your career or how you show up as an entrepreneur.
What Are Self-Sabotaging Behaviors?
- Limiting beliefs
- Perfectionism
- Procrastination
- Self-doubt
- Not Taking Responsibility for your own actions
Sometimes these behaviors may not show up as a direct line to self-sabotage.
They could be written off as personality traits or harmless choices you talk yourself into doing.
These goal-preventing actions may seem subtle at the moment because the consequences do not reveal themselves until later.
How Does it Show Up in My Career?
Besides not getting what you have always wanted or fully deserve in your professional career?
Here are some examples of how self-sabotaging behavior can stop you from pursuing:
- Unable to build your Personal Brand to its full potential.
- Stop you from becoming more visible on LinkedIn.
- Keeps you from speaking up on Clubhouse.
- Stops you from asking for that Informational Interview for a new business venture.
All of these examples are very practical and pragmatic tactics to help you achieve your professional goals. However, you find yourself holding back or not fully embracing what needs to get done.
“If we can look at self-sabotage as self-preservation instead, it allows us to start identifying the perceived risks our subconscious is trying to protect us from which are the real root cause of why we get in our own way.“ Explains mental performance consultant, Shabnaum Rajah, she goes on to further explain. “This also allows us to develop self-awareness and show compassion to ourselves instead of becoming our harshest critic.”
How to Stop Self-Sabotaging Your Future and Career
Take a moment to select a professional goal that you have not been able to get across the finish line.
Here are 5 steps on how to recognize and take action on these unwanted behaviors.
1. Look for the Patterns
List out all of the attempts or circumstances that prevented you from completing a task or goal. Look out for common blockage or failed attempts to get things done.
You can write it down or use an audio app like Otter.ai
Otter.ai is a voice app that allows you to convert your voice messages into documented notes. When it comes to pinpointing a particular behavior, we can hold ourselves back from even writing it down. Speaking freely could you help release all of your thoughts and details without having any chance of holding yourself back.
2. It's Time to Question Your Actions
You have discovered common denominators or actions that have prevented you from moving forward to completing a long-term goal. It’s time to be introspective and ask yourself
- Why do I do this?
- When did this start?
- What sparks this type of behavior?
3. Get Brutally Honest With Yourself
Answering the questions of why you choose to give into self-sabotaging behaviors can feel uncomfortable.
Sit in this discomfort until you can get to the core of the reason behind it.
These thoughts could stem from a childhood belief, experience, or negative recurring thoughts. All not to be true to who you are today, at this very moment.
4. Choose a Different Way for Different Results
Now that you have recognized the patterns of your behavior and discovered where these actions stem from, you become self-aware of your thoughts before you take action.
You now have the choice to choose differently.
But be patient with yourself. It will take time to catch yourself from these behaviors and course correct.
5. You Might Need Some Guidance
Sometimes, just having self-awareness and choosing differently isn’t enough.
Hiring a mental performance coach or career clarity coach is the expert guidance needed to fast-track to achieving your career goals.
Conclusion
I would like to acknowledge you for reading this post. Recognizing the possibility of self-sabotage in your career is the first step to getting clear on what you want to change going forward.
I hope this post provided the explanation you need to get out of your way to start crushing those professional goals.
We want to hear from you! Have you recognized any of these behaviors? What did you do to stop getting in your own way and start getting the most out of your career? Share below.
