Overcoming Self-Sabotage at Work
In the last edition, we explored self-sabotage – when people do (or don’t do) things that block their success or prevent them from accomplishing results. It can be conscious or unconscious, but they have the same results.
Common examples include:
- Procrastination
- Perfectionism
- Self-doubt
- Staying in your comfort zone
Why do we self-sabotage?
Psychologists say that our self-sabotaging tendencies stem from our early experiences in life. The brain is then programmed to take action that keeps us in a safe place (avoid conflict/fear) even if it at the expense of success.
How can we prevent self-sabotage?
1. Boost your self-awareness
- Examine your patterns and ask for genuine feedback (and be open to it)
- Identify your top few self-sabotaging behaviours
2. Learn what sets you off
- Be on the lookout for the triggers
- Examine the cause
3. Respond in a new way
- Nurture your positive inner voice
- Embrace your strengths
4. Write it down
- What are your priorities and goals
- What beliefs and behaviours will be required
Final Thoughts
The very nature of self-sabotage is that we are stuck in a loop cycle. Identifying your loop is the first and powerful step to breaking out and finding more success and happiness at work.
