5 Key Signs of Self-Sabotage

Have you been trying to get the ball rolling with creating the life that you deserve, but it’s just not happening? You’ve gone all in yet you’re not seeing the results? You may have been hit with a dose of self-sabotage.

One of the worst things about self-sabotage is that it comes from within. The stories that we tell ourselves ultimately have an impact on our choices, which can either limit us or make us thrive. The positive side of this of course is that these self-limiting behaviours are born within us, which means we have the power to quieten them too.

I get it, it can be highly frustrating to want to transform your life, but then things aren’t moving in the right direction. Perhaps you want to progress in your career, be kinder to yourself, get healthier, start a new exercise program or set up a business – whatever it is, you need to have your mindset sorted if you want to succeed.

Quieting those negative thoughts that are holding you back is one of the simplest ways to improve your life and make those powerful transformations happen. Below I’ve identified some popular aspects of self-sabotage to help you recognise when it’s happening to you.

You’re afraid of failure

Fearing failure is the body and mind’s natural desire to feel safe and comfortable. It makes total sense that you would never want to fail, however, it can make you small if you stop pursuing opportunities because you’re scared of things going wrong.

Accepting that failure can be part of the journey makes it easier to digest if it does happen, and that’s the thing, it may not happen.

If it doesn’t then great. However, if it does, think of all the amazing lessons you’re going to learn to grow and come back stronger.

I highly recommend Elizabeth Day’s book How to Fail to help in this area.

Check out How To Build Your Emotional Resilience

You give power to your inner critic

Your inner critic is that inner voice in your head that tells you that you’re not enough. It can stop you in your tracks, make you feel vulnerable, like a failure, and all those negative things that prevent you from moving forward.

When you tune into these pessimistic thoughts they can weigh you down, especially if you start to believe them and give them power over you.

When these thoughts come in, ask yourself “How do I really want to feel in this moment?” This is a fabulous tool to use to check in with yourself, catch those negative thoughts before they can sink in, and have an impact.

Check out Silencing Your Inner Critic For a Happier & Healthier Life

You compare yourself to others

Getting stuck in a comparison cycle is a sure-fire way to limit your growth. It’s so easy to look at what someone else has and feel like that you’re lagging behind. However, it’s important to remember that we all have to start somewhere and that we’re all at different stages in our lives.

Use this energy to create a burning desire in your belly to strive for more and to take action on your goals. Comparing yourself to someone else is wasted energy that could be channeled into something more positive. So remember to be kind to yourself, there is nothing wrong with where you are now.

Check out How To Stop Comparing Yourself To Others

You can’t see past negativity

How we approach life and the energy that we give off can massively impact the outcome. For instance, if you start the day in a funk, it’s pretty likely that the rest of your day will be like that.

It’s true when they say that you attract more of what you put out into the universe, so try to make those vibes positive and good.

When your mindset occupies a positive space, you’ll not only feel better but also tackle your goals more successfully because you’re in the right frame of mind to achieve.

Check out Shifting From a Negative to a Positive Mindset

You’re not being authentic

If you’re feeling that you have to look, talk, and act differently to succeed, then there are definitely mindset and self-worth issues that need to be ironed out.

When you’re being true to yourself, you are living in alignment and following your true path. On the other hand, if you’re pretending to be someone you’re not and pretending to like things you don’t, you’ll go down a path that wasn’t meant for you. Be proud of who you are!