This blog is all about a sneaky little gremlin that loves to mess with our progress and success – self sabotage. Whether you’re running a bustling gym, a blooming yoga studio, or a thriving therapy room, self sabotage can creep in and throw a wrench in the works. But fear not, because understanding what it is (and what it isn’t) is the first step to kicking it to the curb. What Self-Sabotage Is: Self-sabotage is like having an internal saboteur that trips you up just when you’re about to hit your stride. It’s the act of getting in your own way and preventing your own success, often without even realising it. It can show up in many different forms and it is vital that you learn how it shows up for you.
Here are a few examples of how self sabotage may show up:
1/ Procrastination: You know those crucial tasks that would push your business forward? Instead of tackling them head-on, you find yourself scrolling through social media or tidying up your workspace for the nth time.
2/ Negative Self-Talk: This is the inner voice that tells you you’re not good enough, smart enough, or capable enough. It’s the ultimate confidence killer and can stop you from even trying.
3/ Fear of Failure (or Success): Believe it or not, fear of success is just as powerful as fear of failure. The thought of actually achieving your goals can be terrifying because it brings new responsibilities and expectations.
4/ Perfectionism: Waiting for the perfect moment, the perfect product, or the perfect plan can paralyse you. This all-or-nothing mindset can prevent you from making any progress at all.
What Self Sabotage Isn’t: Now that we’ve identified what self sabotage is, let’s clarify what it isn’t. This will help you spot the difference between normal challenges and self sabotaging behaviour.
1/ External Challenges: Self sabotage isn’t about the genuine obstacles and setbacks that come from outside forces, like global pandemics, competition, or regulation changes. It’s about the internal battles.
2/ Constructive Criticism: Receiving feedback and recognising areas for improvement isn’t self sabotage. In fact, it’s essential for growth. Self sabotage happens when you ignore or dismiss helpful feedback out of fear or insecurity.
3/ Lack of Skills or Knowledge: Not knowing how to do something or lacking a specific skill isn’t self sabotage. The sabotage comes in when you let that lack stop you from seeking out the knowledge or help you need.
So we know what self sabotage is and we know what it isn’t but what’s this got to do with business? Self sabotage can be a silent killer of your business. There are many ways it can negatively impact your business success; here are a few below: –
Missed Opportunities: Procrastination and fear can cause you to miss out on key opportunities, whether it’s networking events, partnerships, or new client prospects. These missed chances can slow your business growth significantly.
Stunted Growth: Constantly doubting yourself and hesitating to make decisions can lead to stagnation. Your business needs momentum to thrive, and self sabotage acts like a brake, slowing everything down.
Damaged Reputation: Inconsistent performance, missed deadlines, and unfulfilled promises can harm your reputation. Clients and partners need to trust that you can deliver, and self sabotage can erode that trust.
Burnout: The stress and frustration of constantly battling yourself can lead to burnout. When you’re mentally and emotionally exhausted, it’s hard to stay passionate and driven, which is crucial in the fitness and wellbeing industry. –
Financial Losses: All the above points can culminate in financial losses. When you’re not operating at your full potential, you’re likely to see a dip in revenue and profitability.
In conclusion… Recognising self sabotage is the first step towards overcoming it. The next step is to then get help to work on changing your behaviours and cultivating an abundant growth based mindset.
Remember, self-sabotage is something many of us deal with, but it doesn’t have to control your life or your business. By understanding and addressing it, you can pave the way for greater success and fulfillment in your business.
Until next time,
Best wishes
Philippa x