Do you find yourself setting a big goal, but then things just don’t happen? Maybe you started with a solid plan, felt excited to get going, and then.......nothing.
Procrastination, overthinking, or self-doubt overtake your brain, leaving you stuck and frustrated.
This scenario is common. What you’re experiencing is self-sabotage, and it’s a real challenge for anyone working to achieve their goals, especially entrepreneurs. But self-sabotage doesn’t have to hold you back. By being aware and having actionable steps, you can overcome these patterns and build the confidence to succeed.
What is Self-Sabotage?
Self-sabotage happens when we unconsciously undermine our own progress. It’s the conflict within that leads us to delay, avoid, or even destroy the efforts we’ve made toward our own success—even though we're motivated to achieve it.
Do you recognise any of these self-sabotaging patterns:
- Procrastination: Delaying tasks that could move you forward.
- Second-guessing: Constantly doubting your decisions or ideas.
- Perfectionism: Waiting for the “perfect time” or “perfect conditions” to start.
- Negative self-talk: Letting thoughts like “I’m not good enough” to take over.
It can feel so frustrating, especially when you know deep down that you’re capable of so much more.
So why do we do it?
Why Do We Self-Sabotage?
Often self-sabotage comes from deeper fears and limiting beliefs like:
- Fear of failure or success: Worrying about what will happen if you fail—sometimes even fearing sucess and the changes it might bring.
- Perfectionism: Believing everything must be perfect before taking action.
- Low self-worth: Feeling as though you don't deserve the success you’re aiming for.
For entrepreneurs, these fears can feel even more magnified.
Building something meaningful involves risk and vulnerability, and these can trigger self-doubt and hesitation. But self-sabotage is a habit, and like any habit, it can be changed.
Recognising Self-Sabotage in Your Life
The first step to overcoming self-sabotage is to recognise it.
Ask yourself these few questions:
- Where have I been holding myself back?
- Am I procrastinating on tasks that could actually move me forward?
- Do I doubt my ideas?
- Do I wait for the perfect moment before I act?
Awareness is foundational for change. Once you’ve identified these patterns, you can start taking steps to break free of them and build your confidence so you can go after your goals.
How to Overcome Self-Sabotage and Build Confidence
Here are five strategies you can use to help you overcome self-sabotage and start moving forward.
1. Recognise Your Triggers
There will be specific situations, thoughts, or emotions that can often trigger your self-sabotage. For example, stepping outside your comfort zone or facing a risky decision might give you sweaty palms, feel a bit of panic, or make you feel unsure or afraid.
When you notice these triggers, pause and acknowledge them. You have to understand that this fear or doubt is your mind’s way of trying to protect you. By recognising it, you take the first step toward regaining control.
2. Challenge Your Inner Critic
That little voice in your head—the one saying you’re not ready, not capable, or not enough—feeds self-sabotage. But most of these thoughts are based on insecurity, not facts.
Next time your inner critic is loud in your head, I want you to challenge it.
Ask yourself:
- Is this belief really true?
- What evidence do I have to support it?
- What’s the worst that could happen if I take action anyway?
Challenging these negative thoughts weakens their hold over you, giving you the confidence to move forward.
3. Start Small, But Start
Self-sabotage thrives on overwhelm. If you set a goal but it feels too big or unattainable, it’s easy to put it off. You have to break your goals into small, manageable actions.
For example:
You might want to “build a business” - so start with researching one idea or tool.
You might want to “get fit” - so commit to a 10-minute walk today, then up it to 20 minutes tomorrow.
Each small action builds momentum, and over time, your tiny steps will lead to significant progress.
4. Surround Yourself with Support
Going it alone is often really tough—especially if you’re dealing with self-sabotage. It will make a huge different to surround yourself with like-minded people.
Look for:
- Communities - Online or local groups where others share similar goals.
- Mentors - Someone who’s already achieved what you’re wanting to achieve.
- Coaches - Professionals who can guide you and keep you accountable.
If you surround yourself with supportive voices, it’s easier to push through self-doubt and keep moving forward.
5. Reframe Failure as Growth
One of the biggest drivers of self-sabotage is the fear of failure. Such a HUGE one.
But what if failure wasn’t something to fear? What if it was a natural part of learning and growing?
Every mistake or setback is an opportunity to gain insight and improve. When you reframe failure this way, taking action becomes less scary. It's only really failure if you give up entirely.
Building Confidence Through Action
Breaking free from self-sabotage isn’t about eliminating fear or doubt. It’s about taking action despite those feelings.
Confidence comes from DOING, not waiting, and not from just doing one more course.
The more you push through discomfort and take small steps, the stronger and more capable you’ll feel.
Start welcoming that feeling of discomfort because it means you're pushing your boundaries, stretching your personal rubberband! And in so doing, you're gradually expanding your own comfort zone.
Here are a few extra tips to help boost your confidence:
- Celebrate your progress - Acknowledge every win, no matter how small.
- Practice self-compassion - When things don't go perfectly, be kind to yourself.
- Visualise your success - Imagine how you’ll feel when you’ve achieved your goal.
The Role of Self-Sabotage in Entrepreneurship
If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, self-sabotage can feel like a really big obstacle. Because you're constantly putting yourself out there.
Starting and growing a business involves risks, and you'll be challenged constantly. But the strategies we've covered here can help you stay focused and confident.
Remember:
- Recognising and addressing self-sabotage is a muscle you can develop.
- Surrounding yourself with supportive, like-minded people can make your path easier.
- Every step forward, no matter how small, builds momentum toward your goals.
Final Thoughts: Breaking Free and Moving Forward
Overcoming self-sabotage is ongoing, it's not a quick fix.
It's important to keep challenging your thoughts, take action, and build confidence. With time and practice, you can build that muscle to take action regardless of the doubts and negative feelings that may creep in.
Because you now recognise them for what they are and you can now act instead of waiting and thinking some more. You can create the life and business you really want.
Start by taking one small step today.
Settle on one action you can take immediately to move closer to your goals.
Stop waiting for things to be perfect! Go ahead and send that email you've been sitting on, publish that website page you've edited so many times, or simply pause to challenge a negative thought.
Each step is helping you build momentum to be "in action" rather than "in waiting".
You’ve got what it takes to move forward. Sometimes, you just need a little nudge in the right direction!