How entrepreneurs can overcome feelings of self-sabotage

Stepping out of your comfort zone can be difficult, but it is important to remember that your goals are attainable

Many entrepreneurs can experience negative thoughts, but breaking down project goals into achievable tasks can help. Getty

I landed a big project a few years ago. I was over the moon and couldn’t stop talking about it to my family and friends. I was supposed to begin work on the project at the start of the following week, but found myself procrastinating.

I came up with different excuses to postpone working on it for days. Thoughts came to mind such as: "This project will take much of my time and I won’t be able to see my family as much."

I questioned my decision to take on the project, thinking it might have been better if I stuck to my regular clients.

Luckily, I sensed that something was off with my behaviour. This wasn’t like my ambitious self at all, as I knew that working on the project would help me progress greatly.

Instead of jumping in and working on the project, I saw myself backing away. Was I self-sabotaging? The thought scared me. But it was true.

It got me thinking: Was it the fear of failure? Or was I worried about the lifestyle changes? I needed to find out the reasons why I seemed to be putting up obstacles that prevented me from progressing.

When I delved deeper into the topic of self-sabotage and read about others’ experiences, I started seeing this pattern clearly in my fellow colleagues.

As disturbing as the idea may seem, that one might be one’s own enemy to achieve success, the good news is that self-sabotage can affect everyone to some degree.

In fact, the bigger a challenge or an opportunity is, the more likely it is that self-sabotage will take place.

But why did I self-sabotage? And why do other entrepreneurs find themselves in such situations?

For me, it was a fear of success, a fear of feeling overwhelmed and burnt out, and not having enough time to do the things I enjoyed most. I was afraid the journey might not be worth the emotional and mental investment.

After reading about and listening to others’ experiences, what they had in common was that they wanted to be in their comfort zone. Stepping out of it to grow might feel overwhelming, especially as many people fear the unknown.

So, what can be done to overcome this hindrance?

It starts with an honest conversation with yourself, which wasn’t an easy feat for me.

I procrastinated for days, but finally came around to it. I paid closer attention to my behaviour and became more aware.

I had to challenge my negative thoughts. I reminded myself of my strengths, what I am capable of achieving, and how I would achieve what I wanted.

I also recalled the saying that "the only way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time”.

Instead of setting unrealistic goals and deadlines, which is one form of self-sabotage that could lead to disappointment, I broke down my project goals into more achievable tasks. That way, I didn’t feel overburdened.

To achieve your goals, you need to be ready for the journey. This means taking care of yourself by getting enough sleep, eating well, taking breaks and taking care of your emotional well-being. Burn out will only set you back – and leave you farther from your goals.

Last but not least, talk to others. I developed my own support system of people who would steer me in the right direction. I sought the advice of professionals in the field, as well as family members and friends.

Though self-sabotage is a problem that could greatly hinder our career, it is not a problem that can’t be overcome. The key is to be aware, focus on your vision and remember that your goals are attainable.

Manar Al Hinai is an award-winning Emirati writer and communications adviser based in Abu Dhabi