Success can be a tricky thing – it’s what we all strive for, but sometimes we end up sabotaging our own progress without even realizing it.

This self-sabotage is often a result of certain behaviors that we’ve adopted over time.

They may seem harmless or insignificant, but they can have a significant impact on our ability to achieve our goals.

In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at these behaviors.

Specifically, I’ll share with you 9 common behaviors that people often display when they’re unknowingly sabotaging their own success. 

1) Procrastination

Ah, procrastination – the age-old enemy of success.

We’ve all been there, putting off tasks for later when we know we should be getting to them now.

This habit can sneak up on you.

It might seem harmless at first – what’s the harm in delaying something for a little bit, right?

But before you know it, you’re behind schedule, scrambling to catch up, and the quality of your work suffers as a result.

Procrastination is more than just laziness.

Often, it’s a sign of fear – fear of failure, fear of success, fear of judgment.

It’s a form of self-sabotage because it prevents us from taking the steps necessary to achieve our goals.

If you find yourself constantly pushing tasks off until the last minute, it might be time to take a closer look at why.

Understanding the root cause of your procrastination is the first step to overcoming it.

2) Perfectionism

This one hits close to home for me.

There’s a fine line between striving for excellence and falling into the trap of perfectionism.

In my own life, I’ve seen how perfectionism can be a form of self-sabotage.

I remember spending countless hours on a project, tweaking and refining every little detail until it was just right.

But in the end, I had spent so much time aiming for perfection that I missed my deadline.

Perfectionism can lead us to set unrealistic standards for ourselves.

And when we inevitably fall short, it can result in feelings of inadequacy and failure.

It’s important to remember that making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process.

Striving for progress, not perfection, is what will ultimately lead us to success.

3) Fear of change

Did you know that humans are biologically wired to resist change?

It’s a survival mechanism that dates back to our ancestors, who relied on routine and predictability for survival.

In today’s world, this resistance can hold us back from achieving our full potential.

Fear of change can keep us stuck in our comfort zone, where everything is safe and familiar.

But success often requires stepping into the unknown and embracing new experiences.

It’s about learning, adapting, and growing.

If we let our fear of change control us, we’re sabotaging our own chances at success.

So the next time you find yourself resisting a change, remember it’s a natural response.

But don’t let it hold you back. Instead, see it as an opportunity for growth and development.

4) Neglecting self-care

In the pursuit of success, it’s easy to neglect the basics of self-care.

We might skip out on sleep, eat poorly, or neglect our physical health in an attempt to squeeze more productivity out of our day.

However, this approach can be counterproductive.

When we neglect our health and well-being, we’re not operating at our full capacity.

Our energy levels drop, our focus wanes, and our productivity suffers.

Self-care isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity for long-term success.

So if you find yourself cutting corners on sleep, nutrition, exercise, or mental health, it might be time to reassess your priorities.

Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup.

Taking care of yourself is the first step towards achieving your goals.

5) Avoiding risks

It’s natural to want to play it safe.

After all, taking risks can be scary.

It involves stepping out of our comfort zone and facing the possibility of failure.

But here’s the thing – avoiding risks can also mean missing out on opportunities.

Success often involves taking calculated risks and stepping into the unknown.

It’s about being willing to take a leap of faith, even when the outcome is uncertain.

6) Not believing in yourself

This one goes deep, right to the heart of all we do.

If you don’t believe in yourself, it’s hard to make progress towards your goals.

It’s like trying to climb a mountain while constantly telling yourself you’re not a climber.

Those negative thoughts create a self-fulfilling prophecy, and before you know it, you’ve talked yourself out of even trying.

Believing in yourself is not about being arrogant or thinking you’re better than others.

It’s about trusting your abilities, acknowledging your potential, and giving yourself permission to succeed.

Remind yourself of how far you’ve come and all the challenges you’ve overcome.

Believe in yourself – it’s the first step towards achieving your dreams.

7) Overthinking

Overthinking is a trap I’ve fallen into more times than I can count.

It’s like a hamster wheel in my mind, constantly spinning with thoughts, worries, and what-ifs.

This habit can be paralyzing.

Instead of taking action, I’d find myself stuck in a loop of indecision, too caught up in analyzing every possible outcome to move forward.

But here’s what I’ve learned: overthinking doesn’t prevent problems, it creates them.

It drains your energy, kills your focus, and steals your time.

Success requires action.

It’s about making decisions and learning from the outcomes, not getting stuck in analysis paralysis. 

8) Comparing yourself to others

In this age of social media, it’s easier than ever to fall into the comparison trap.

We see highlight reels of other people’s lives and start to feel like we’re falling behind.

But comparing yourself to others is a surefire way to sabotage your own success.

Why?

Because it shifts your focus away from your own goals and progress, and onto what someone else is doing.

Success is not a race.

It’s not about who gets there first or who has the most.

It’s about achieving your personal goals and becoming the best version of yourself.

Remind yourself of your own goals, your own journey, and your own successes.

That’s where your focus should be.

9) Not setting goals

Goals are the roadmap to success.

They give us direction, help us stay focused, and provide a benchmark for measuring our progress.

Without goals, it’s easy to drift aimlessly and get distracted by whatever comes our way.

It’s like trying to reach a destination without a map or directions – chances are, you’ll end up somewhere you didn’t intend to go.

Setting clear, achievable goals is crucial for success.

It’s not just about knowing what you want to achieve, but also understanding the steps you need to take to get there.

So if you’re serious about success, take the time to set your goals.

And remember, a goal without a plan is just a wish.

The power lies within

Reflecting on our behaviors and understanding the subtle ways in which we could be sabotaging our own success is no small task.

It requires honesty, self-awareness, and a willingness to change.

These behaviors are not character flaws, but habits that have formed over time.

And just as they’ve been learned, they can be unlearned.

Habitual self-sabotage is often rooted in fear – fear of failure, fear of success, fear of change.

But as Susan Jeffers famously said, “Feel the fear and do it anyway.”

So take a moment to reflect on these behaviors.

If you recognize any within yourself, view it not as a condemnation, but as an opportunity for growth.

Because ultimately, the power to change lies within you.

And realizing that is the first step towards achieving the success you deserve.