By Alina Fridman

Self-sabotage: it's that little voice in your head that tells you you're not good enough, that you can't do it, that you're not worth it. It's the voice that makes you doubt yourself and convinces you to give up before you've even started.

If you're reading this, then self-sabotage is something you may be all too familiar with. You know the drill - you set a goal, you start working towards it, and then suddenly, your doubts and fears start to creep in. You start to think about all the things that could go wrong, all the ways you might fail. Before you know it, you've talked yourself out of it and given up on your goal.

Why do you do this to yourself? Why do you sabotage your own success? Here are 10 common ways you might be sabotaging yourself, and how to stop being your own worst enemy.

1. Do you make excuses?

If you find yourself making excuses for why you can't or shouldn't do something, that's a sign that you're sabotaging yourself. Making excuses is a way of justifying your inaction, and it's also a way of convincing yourself that you're not capable of achieving your goals. If you want to stop sabotaging yourself, start by taking responsibility for your actions and decisions. For example, if you've been procrastinating on a project, don't tell yourself that you're too busy or that the task is too difficult. Instead, acknowledge that you're the one who chose to put off the work, and pledge to get started on it today. By taking responsibility for your actions, you'll empower yourself to make positive changes in your life.

2. Do you procrastinate?

If you're putting off taking action on something important, it's likely because you're afraid of failing or making a mistake. But the longer you wait, the less likely you are to achieve your goal. So if you're serious about stopping self-sabotage, start taking action - even if it's just a small step. The important thing is to get started. Once you do, you'll find it's not as difficult as you thought. And the more action you take, the more confident you'll become.

3. Do you have negative self-talk?

If you tend to focus on your negative qualities and tell yourself that you're not good enough, it can sabotage your efforts to achieve your goals. But it's possible to change the way you talk to yourself. Instead of focusing on your weaknesses, focus on your strengths. Acknowledge your accomplishments. Be encouraging and positive with yourself, and treat yourself with the same kindness and respect you would give to a friend. Changing your self-talk can make a big difference in how you feel about yourself and what you're able to accomplish.

4. Do you compare yourself to others?

Comparing yourself to others is a surefire way to feel inferior and discouraged. It's also a way of convincing yourself that you're not good enough or deserve success. After all, if someone else is doing better than you, what right do you have to be happy or successful? The truth is, everyone has their own journey in life, and comparing yourself to others is a fruitless exercise. Instead of fixating on what someone else has, focus on your own journey and celebrate your accomplishments. That's the only comparison that matters.

5. Do you have unrealistic expectations?

If you're constantly setting yourself up for disappointment by having unrealistic expectations, it's time to reassess your expectations. Unrealistic expectations can lead to all sorts of negative consequences, including frustration, discouragement, and even depression. On the other hand, setting realistic goals for yourself can help you stay motivated and focused on what's important. So instead of setting yourself up for disappointment, set realistic goals that you know you can achieve. You'll be surprised at how much better you feel when you start accomplishing your goals!

6. Do you give up too easily?

Giving up too easily is a form of self-sabotage. It's a way of telling yourself that you cannot achieve your goals. When you give up too easily, you're essentially telling yourself that you're not good enough and that you don't have what it takes to succeed. This is not only untrue, but it's also incredibly damaging. Giving up too easily will only lead to further failure and disappointment. If you find yourself giving up too easily, it's time to change your mindset. Remind yourself that you are capable of achieving anything you set your mind to. Believe in yourself and your ability to succeed.

7. Do you dwell on your mistakes?

Dwelling on your mistakes is a way of beating yourself up and making yourself feel bad. It's also a way of convincing yourself that you're not good enough or deserve success. If you want to stop sabotaging yourself, learn from your mistakes and move on.

Why is it so important to learn from your mistakes? Because every mistake is an opportunity to learn and grow. When you allow yourself to dwell on your mistakes, you miss out on the opportunity to learn and grow from them. You also miss out on the opportunity to reframe the mistake in a more positive light.

For example, let's say you made a mistake at work that led to a project being delayed. Instead of dwelling on the mistake and wallowing in self-pity, use it as an opportunity to reflect on what you could have done differently and how you can prevent similar mistakes in the future. This will not only help you learn and grow from the experience, but it will also boost your confidence and make you more likely to succeed in the future.

So, the next time you make a mistake, resist the urge to dwell on it. Instead, take a deep breath, accept it, and use it as an opportunity to learn and grow.

8. Do you have a victim mentality?

If you find yourself always playing the victim, it's time to take responsibility for your life. It's easy to fall into the habit of playing the victim. When things go wrong, it can be tempting to blame other people or external forces. However, if you want to take control of your life, it's important to recognize that you are the only one who can make things happen. The victim mentality is a self-destructive way of thinking that prevents you from taking responsibility for your own actions and choices. If you want to overcome this way of thinking, start by taking charge of your life and making things happen. You'll be surprised at how empowering it can be to take control of your own destiny.

9. Do you make impulsive decisions?

Making decisions on impulse can often lead to sub-optimal outcomes. It's important to take the time to assess a situation and think about the potential consequences of your actions before you make a decision. This will help you make better choices that are more likely to lead to the results you want. Keep in mind that even small decisions can have a big impact, so it's worth taking the time to make sure you're making the best choice for yourself. If you find yourself making impulsive decisions, take a step back and ask yourself if there might be a better way to handle the situation. Chances are, if you give it some thought, you'll be able to come up with a smarter, more effective solution.

10. Do you have a fear of success?

Many people are afraid of success, believing it will bring too much change. But the truth is, change is a necessary part of growth. If you want to achieve your goals, you need to be willing to face your fears and make the changes required for success. This can be scary, but it's also exciting. Remember, every time you step outside your comfort zone, you're giving yourself the opportunity to learn and grow. So go ahead and take the leap! Commit to making the changes necessary for success, and see what amazing things you can achieve.

So, have you identified a way or two why you sabotage your own success? Why do you do it? That's the question you should be asking yourself when you find yourself engaging in self-sabotage. Whether it's procrastinating on an important project or sabotaging a relationship, self-sabotage can have a serious impact on our lives.

It's likely that you're not reaching your full potential If you're constantly sabotaging yourself. This can lead to feeling frustrated and discouraged. It can also prevent you from achieving your goals. If you want to stop sabotaging yourself, start by taking responsibility for your actions and decisions. Then, focus on changing the way you talk to yourself and start setting realistic goals. Finally, commit to seeing things through and taking the necessary steps for success.

If you struggle with self-sabotage, know that you're not alone. These tips can help you get on the path to a happier, healthier life. Just remember to be patient with yourself and take things one step at a time. Change takes time, but it's worth it! Good luck!

If you have tips on stopping self-sabotage, please share them in the comments! We can all help each other out and learn from each other. Thanks for reading!