Despite our best efforts to achieve success, we find ourselves knocked off course time and time again. It’s discouraging, draining, and thoughts of giving up are common. I have certainly felt this at each turning point in my evolution. However, you may be guilty of self-sabotage and not even know it. Read how the 7 Things That Sabotage Your Success could be affecting your life:
1. Self-limiting Beliefs
Nothing zaps your confidence like self-limiting beliefs (aka excuses). If you’ve ever thought:
- I’m not rich enough
- I’m not smart enough
- I’m not sure I can be a success
- It’s too difficult for me
These kinds of thoughts put the brakes on your path to success. Our subconscious thoughts manifest into a self-fulfilling prophecy and you will end up getting in your own way. When these thoughts creep into your consciousness, ask yourself: “What am I getting from thinking these thoughts?” For example, if I think “I’m not smart enough,” it takes the pressure off of me to ever learn more and gain the necessary knowledge to get to my goal. I gain permission to NOT go after my dreams because I have an “out” and won’t have to change my negative pattern of behavior. Be aware of when doubt creeps in, and address why you’re having these thoughts.
2. Friends & Family
This might be surprising, but even people closest to you could unintentionally (or intentionally) sabotage your success. Well-meaning parents or friends will give you advice based on their own experience, limits, filter, and measure of success. Sometimes they react to your success with jealousy, confusion or fear and they may subconsciously work to derail your progress. Of course, it’s completely ok to ask friends and family for advice, but remember that only you know what is aligned with your own version of success. Even if you love and value their opinions, try not to let your friends and family lead you too far astray from your own course. What was successful for them may not necessarily be right for you. Listen to your own inner voice.
Read Also: How to Define Your Version of Success
3. Procrastination
Our time on this earth is finite. Most people delay going after their dreams because they think “I’ll have more time to do it later.” But later may never come, and if you’re not pushing towards success, nobody else will do it for you. Stop sitting on the sidelines talking about everything you’re going to do, and go out and do them now!
4. Not Wanting to Put in the Work
Success doesn’t come easy, so why do we think we’ll just wake up one morning and have it all without putting in the work? Most of the behind-the-scenes of your hard work towards achieving success won’t be glamorous or necessarily “fun”. Showing up day in and day out with intention and purpose will move the needle towards success.
5. Lack of Patience
In today’s world of instant gratification, it’s no wonder that we expect success to come overnight. However, what you may not realize from these “overnight successes” is that it took 10+ years of patience and hard work for people to start paying attention. It took consistency over a long period of time to get them to where they are now. The road to success may not always be a straight shot, sometimes you have to take a few different paths, but the consistency at which you move towards your overall goal is what will make all the difference.
6. Distractions
It’s so easy to get distracted – by life, by others, by your own thoughts. Maintaining focus on your goal is an important aspect of achieving your version of success. I know it’s tempting to delay success or get sidetracked because something else shiny and fun comes along, but holding on to your inner purpose and goal will help keep you on track. If you find yourself continually choosing your distractions over your goals, you should reevaluate how much you really want to achieve success.
7. Negative Attitudes/Blaming
The #1 thing that can sabotage your success is a negative attitude. Some people focus all their energy on what isn’t working and put a negative spin on pretty much anything happening in their lives. Your energy goes where you focus, and if you focus on negativity and blaming, that’s all you’ll get in return. Instead, harness challenges that come to you by flipping the script and ask:
- What can I learn from this experience?
- How will this current challenge protect me against future issues?
- What am I winning at right now?
Each new challenge presents an opportunity to learn and grow, ultimately helping you achieve what you want. Conditioning yourself against negative thought/blame is one the best things you could do to create space for success.
What has been the biggest challenge for you on your path to success? Tell me below!
