Get out of your own [enter expletive] way!
I’ve come to realise a hard truth: I’m a world-class saboteur.
The journey to becoming the best version of myself, continues to be hampered by my own hands.
Recognising this relentless self-sabotage knows no bounds. It’s been both a subtle and dramatic wrecking ball to my growth and success.
But if there’s one vital lesson I’ve learned? Confronting self-sabotage head-on is the only way through.
Today, I’m here to share this insight with you. How to stop being the biggest obstacle in your path.
Why addressing self-sabotaging behaviours isn’t just helpful. It’s essential for unlocking the best version of you.
Let’s dive into the first major pitfall: setting unrealistic goals.
#1: Setting unrealistic goals
Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars. – Norman Vincent Peale
Have you fallen into the trap of setting sky-high goals without a realistic plan or rocket ship?
I know I have.
Ambitious goals are worthy challenges; they inspire and motivate. However, when they’re too lofty, they become unattainable daydreams.
Setting unrealistic goals is like setting yourself up for failure. Consistently falling short can lead to demotivation and a feeling of inadequacy.
Consider breaking your larger ambitions into smaller, more manageable targets.
Ask yourself what is achievable in the short term? Think today, this week, this month.
Small wins are crucial; they build momentum and keep you motivated in the big picture.
Remember, every significant achievement starts with a single, manageable step.
Set that as your goal today and fly.
#2: Comparing yourself to others
Sometimes the grass appears greener on the other side because it’s fake. – Unknown
I don’t know anyone who hasn’t played the comparison merry-go-round at some point.
It’s a zero-sum game.
One thing you’re guaranteed to better at than others is being you.
In fact, it’s the only game you can win.
Everyone is on a different path, with unique challenges and victories. When you focus on others, you lose sight of your own progress. Your uniqueness and brilliance.
Concentrate on your path and growth. Learn from your experiences when things didn’t go to plan.
The only person you should strive to be better than is the person you were yesterday.
Redirect your energy into improving yourself rather than envying others.
Free from the constraints of false comparison. You’ll feel lighter. And more present to what is.
It’s simple but not easy.
#3: Being busy not productive
Being busy is a form of laziness – lazy thinking and indiscriminate action. – Tim Ferris
Too often I’ve mistaken busyness for productivity. Only to ask myself after a long day, what have I effectively achieved?
As a solopreneur with limited resources and time, it’s crucial to prioritise tasks that genuinely move the needle.
One of my favourite examples is the British rowing team.
88 years passed since they last won an Olympic gold.
So, in the year 2000, they made a commitment to end that losing streak.
They decided to filter all their decisions through a single question:
“Will it make the boat go faster?”
If the answer was no, they didn’t do it.
If yes, they did.
Guess what? They won Gold.
Imagine what you could achieve if you applied this simple filter to your decision making?
Clarity of thought aligned to clarity of action.
Remember, productivity is measured by the impact of your actions, not just by the hours you put in.
#4: Perfectionism Paralysis
Perfect is the enemy of good, and procrastination’s best friend.
If it’s not perfect, don’t bother was my mantra.
A mindset which left me frustrated with half baked projects for years.
Until I embraced the concept of a minimum viable product (MVP).
Creating something good enough to attract early adopters and validate the initial concept.
If feedback was positive and quick, I could iterate and improve the next version.
Waiting for perfection is an exercise in futility.
Embrace the concept of ‘good enough.’
Launch your initiatives, whether it’s a new coaching technique or a workshop. And refine them over time based on feedback.
Progress is a continuous journey, never a single destination.
#5: Saying yes to everything and everyone
Focusing is about saying no. – Steve Jobs
It’s so tempting to take on every opportunity that comes your way.
This is a common challenge, especially for coaches building their business from scratch.
However, not every opportunity aligns with your vision, goals or values.
Whenever I’ve over-committed, it’s always lead to diluted focus, lack of effectiveness, and fatigue.
Practicing discernment in your choices and commitments is hard. But it’s vital to align your activities with your core values and goals.
It’s not just okay to say no – it’s essential.
Your energy and time are valuable resources; direct them wisely.
Focus on what truly matters and let go of the rest.
Conclusion
Self reflection is hard to stomach sometimes.
But at the end of the day, it’s a necessary step to self-improvement.
Knowing I’m my own biggest roadblock is just the beginning.
Being ultra vigilant means being willing to take precautionary measures.
Remember, the path to your best self isn’t just about acknowledging internal obstacles. It’s about actively overcoming them.
Where are you getting in your own way?
How are you hindering your own progress?
Pick a strategy and implement it. Now. Not tomorrow, not next week – today.
This is how real change begins.
Get out of your own [enter expletive] way.
