Blog

​Overcoming Self-Sabotage at Work

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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.

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Common examples include:

• Procrastination

• Perfectionism

• Self-doubt

• Staying in your comfort zone

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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.

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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

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2. Learn what sets you off

• Be on the lookout for the triggers

• Examine the cause

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3. Respond in a new way

• Nurture your positive inner voice

• Embrace your strengths

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4. Write it down

• What are your priorities and goals

• What beliefs and behaviours will be required

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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.