Breaking the Cycle of Self-Sabotage: A Mini-Guide for Business Owners
Self-sabotage is a silent business killer. It hides behind procrastination, overthinking, and fear - costing you time, money, and opportunities.
The good news? You can take control, break free from these habits, and unlock your full potential.
This guide provides five actionable tips to help you identify and overcome self-sabotage, so you can lead your business with clarity, confidence, and success.
1. Recognise Your Triggers
Why It Matters:
Self-sabotage often starts with specific triggers - moments of stress, fear, or doubt. When you recognise these patterns, you can disrupt the cycle.
Action Step:
Example:
If you notice procrastination before sales calls, ask, What am I afraid of? Awareness is the first step toward change.
2. Shift Your Inner Dialogue
Why It Matters:
Negative self-talk fuels self-doubt and reinforces unproductive behaviours. Replacing it with constructive thoughts builds confidence and resilience.
Action Step:
Pro Tip:
Speak to yourself like you would to a trusted teammate—encouraging, supportive, and kind.
3. Set Micro-Wins
Why It Matters:
Big goals can feel overwhelming, leading to inaction. Breaking them into smaller steps builds momentum and creates a sense of achievement.
Action Step:
Example:
Instead of saying, “I need to launch this product,” focus on “Write the product description today.”
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4. Build Accountability into Your Routine
Why It Matters:
Accountability ensures you stay committed, even when motivation fades. Having someone to check in with can push you to follow through.
Action Step:
Pro Tip:
Announce your goals publicly, whether to your team, a mastermind group, or on social media. Public accountability is a powerful motivator.
5. Master the Power of “No”
Why It Matters:
Saying “yes” to everything dilutes your focus and energy. Learning to say “no” protects your time and aligns your actions with your goals.
Action Step:
Example:
Instead of accepting every meeting request, block time for strategic work and only say yes to what truly matters.
The Future Awaits…
Imagine leading your business without the weight of self-doubt or hesitation. By recognising your triggers, shifting your mindset, and taking intentional actions, you can:
Your Next Step:
Which tip will you start with today? Commit to taking action and watch as these small changes create massive results.
Need more guidance? Let’s work together to create a customised plan to help you break free from self-sabotage and reach your full potential.
Helping Manufacturers Unlock Hidden Capacity, Increase Profitability & Make Smarter Investments | Fractional Finance Director | Outsourced Finance | Production Budgeting Specialist
1 个月Thank you
Become the Business Leader You’ve Always Dreamed About
1 个月Thanks Jamie Leeper. We can’t think clearly when we’re stressed and overwhelmed can we. ??
Therapeutic Counsellor | Injury and Illness Recovery Specialist| Keynote Speaker on Mental Health & Workplace Empathy | Helping Individuals Heal and Leaders Foster Empathy in the Workplace | RN Veteran
1 个月Great article Nicholas Holmes as ever - really great advice which seems so simple when it is laid out in front of you but is not necessarily evident when you're staring through a fog of stress and overload.
A fully qualified Financial Adviser and Teacher working as a Money Expert helping people master their finances, deal with debt, and finally feel in control of their money and their lives
1 个月It would be lovely to get to a point of feeling safe and secure enough to really go for it. That's the reason to do THE work!
Become the Only Person Your Prospects Want to Work With
1 个月It’s incredible how we speak to ourselves. I remember my first year in businesse having a big cry over how horrible my boss was - and the revelation that I was my own boss and I had a choice how I spoke to myself!