It’s interesting how often we stand in our own way. We become the very obstacle we’re trying to overcome.

Sure, there are external factors that can hinder our progress, but what about the internal ones? The self-doubt, the fear of failure, the lack of motivation?

Psychology explains that it’s often us who hold ourselves back. And guess what? There are signs that can help us identify these self-defeating behaviors.

So, let’s dive into the 8 signs you’re the one who’s holding yourself back. By recognizing these signs, you can start paving your way towards success rather than blocking it.

1) You’re a chronic procrastinator

Who hasn’t put off a task until the last minute, right? But when it becomes a habit, it’s a problem.

Psychology tells us that chronic procrastination is a clear sign you’re holding yourself back. You see, procrastination is often linked to fear – fear of failure, fear of success, or even fear of losing control.

Instead of tackling tasks head-on, you push them aside hoping they’ll disappear. But they won’t. They linger and become a weight on your shoulders, causing stress and anxiety.

Here’s the hard truth: by postponing tasks, you’re not just delaying the work. You’re also delaying your success.

Remember, it’s okay to feel overwhelmed sometimes. But don’t let fear dictate your actions. Beat procrastination and start moving forward. It’s time to get out of your own way and reach your full potential.

2) You’re constantly self-criticizing

I remember a time when every mistake I made felt like the end of the world. I’d beat myself up over every little thing and it was exhausting.

Psychology suggests that constant self-criticism is a sign you’re holding yourself back. I realized that all the negative self-talk wasn’t helping me improve. It was just pulling me down.

When you’re constantly criticizing yourself, you’re creating a self-fulfilling prophecy. You tell yourself you’re not good enough and eventually, you start to believe it.

I learned that it’s okay to make mistakes. What’s not okay is to let those mistakes define you. Instead of dwelling on them, learn from them and move on.

If you find yourself constantly criticizing your every move, take a step back. Start focusing on your achievements rather than your failures. You’ll be surprised at how much this shift in mindset can help you to stop holding yourself back.

3) You shy away from new experiences

Did you know that our brains are naturally inclined to stick to what’s familiar? It’s a survival mechanism. But in today’s world, this preference for the known can hinder our growth.

If you find yourself always choosing the safe and familiar route, it’s a sign you’re holding yourself back. New experiences not only broaden our perspectives but also help us discover our potential.

Avoiding new experiences means you’re missing out on opportunities for personal and professional growth. It’s time to step out of your comfort zone and embrace the unknown. Remember, growth happens outside our comfort zones.

4) You’re always waiting for the ‘perfect’ moment

We’ve all been there. Waiting for the perfect time to start a new project, take a course, or even make lifestyle changes. But here’s the thing, the perfect moment rarely comes.

This constant waiting is another sign you’re holding yourself back. Waiting for the ‘right’ time often results in missed opportunities and unfulfilled goals.

Here’s something I’ve learned: there’s no better time than now. Start where you are with what you have. It may not be perfect, but it’s a step forward.

So, stop waiting for that elusive ‘perfect’ moment. Make the decision, take the leap, and start making progress towards your goals.

5) You keep comparing yourself to others

In this era of social media, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves with others. We see their highlights and measure them against our behind-the-scenes, often leaving us feeling inadequate.

If you’re constantly comparing yourself to others, it’s a clear sign you’re holding yourself back. This comparison game is like running a race while constantly looking sideways. It slows you down and distracts you from your own path.

Each of us has our own journey, our own pace. Instead of focusing on how far others have gone, concentrate on your progress. Celebrate your victories, no matter how small they may seem.

Remember, the only person you should strive to be better than is the person you were yesterday. In the end, the race is only with yourself.

6) You’re afraid to ask for help

I recall a time when I was struggling with a project. I was overwhelmed and didn’t know how to proceed, but I was too proud to ask for help. I thought asking for help was a sign of weakness, but I was wrong.

If you’re afraid to ask for help when you need it, it’s a sign that you’re holding yourself back. It’s not about being weak or incapable. It’s about recognizing that we all have limitations and that it’s okay to seek assistance.

Realizing this changed my perspective. I understood that asking for help is not a weakness but a strength. It shows you’re committed enough to your goals to do whatever it takes to achieve them, even if it means reaching out to others.

So, don’t be afraid to ask for help. It doesn’t make you less competent. On the contrary, it allows you to grow and move forward.

7) You’re stuck in past failures

Failure is a part of life. We all stumble and fall. But those who get up, dust themselves off, and keep going are the ones who eventually find success.

If you find yourself constantly reliving past failures, it’s a sign you’re holding yourself back. Dwelling on past mistakes can make you fearful of the future, hindering your progress.

Instead of letting past failures define you, let them guide you. They’re lessons, not life sentences.

Use your past experiences as stepping stones to reach your goals. Remember, every setback is a setup for an even greater comeback. Don’t let the past hold you back from your future.

8) You don’t believe in yourself

At the core of all these signs is a lack of self-belief. If you don’t believe in yourself, it’s hard to move forward. You’re your biggest cheerleader and your toughest critic.

Believing in yourself is not about thinking you’re better than everyone else. It’s about knowing your worth and recognizing your potential.

Without self-belief, every hurdle feels insurmountable, every failure feels like a dead end. But with self-belief, you see hurdles as challenges to overcome and failures as opportunities to learn.

So, start believing in yourself. Trust in your abilities and acknowledge your potential. After all, you’re stronger and more capable than you think.