How to overcome self-sabotage in the workplace

How to overcome self-sabotage at work

When it comes to making challenging decisions about life, some portion of doubt or fear will always dwell within us. Often, these two negatives can become just the catalyst needed to help us dig deeper into our personal or professional journey. But what happens when the more severe mindsets start crippling our ability to grow, especially in the workplace? 

  Here is a look at 3 of the most reported internal stumbling blocks today's professionals face. 

The most notorious:  IMPOSTER SYNDROME

• Doubting your abilities and feeling like a fraud despite the hard work and challenges you've taken on to get you to where you are. 

How it inhibits: Imposter syndrome can often cause missed possibilities in the workplace. For example, when employees feel they do not deserve praise or are unqualified for the task, they will pass on promotions or career-defining opportunities. 

Overcoming:  Reframe your thought process. It may sound too simple to work, but studies have confirmed the powerful impact of positive affirmations and meditating on your abilities. Remind your mind of your strengths and worthiness consistently, and you will begin to see an impulse of imposter syndrome fade. To reinforce this affirmation, consider the thoughts of others who support and praise your work. Reflecting on the praises of your peers and superiors will help strengthen your mind's ability to overcome imposter syndrome. 

  In addition to reframing your thoughts, look at speaking to others about your feelings and remember that Imposter Syndrome lives inside of everyone. Speaking to those around you, especially trusted peers within your workplace, can be another form of reinforcement. Hearing their feedback and gleening new ways to overcome can make for the best kind of support. 

The hardest to maintain: Perfectionism

-Imposing an unrealistic desire to be perfect on oneself or others

How it inhibits: Though often seen as ideal in the workplace, perfectionism can be a significant setback. Even though "perfectionists" tend to turn in excellent work, they often neglect work-life balance, causing their personal life to suffer, and inflict unachievable standards on their peers or team, with little room for grace. 

Overcoming:  Learn to say "no" more often, especially things that do not reflect your priorities or passions. Saying "no" allows you more time to invest in the things that matter and eliminates a plateful of work. Adjust your expectations. Instead of looking to overwork or extend yourself beyond your capacity, look at how your co-workers approach time management, and if it leads to success, alter your time to match. Finally, lower the stakes when it comes to self-criticism. Don't approach every step of a project or assignment as make or break. Begin to give grace to yourself and others. 

The easiest to fall into: Procrastination

-ignoring an unpleasant but likely more important task in favor of one that is more enjoyable or easier

How it inhibits: Often confused with laziness, procrastination is a mental choice. Whereas laziness means an unwillingness to act, procrastination is choosing to do something else rather than the task needed. This often means critical assignments or priorities are delayed or done under heightened stress and rush. 

Overcoming: Restructure. Often, procrastination begins with poor organization and unbalanced schedules. There are many reasons for poor organization, but the first step to fixing it is owning your lapse in managing and forgiving yourself of past procrastination. Now that the slate is clean, begin with committing to a credible to-do list. This list should be one you can stick to, complete with priority tasks. Keep in mind that you commit to doing these tasks as they come up and without hesitation. An excellent way to overcome hesitation is to first tackle the most extensive or most complicated tasks. Then, instead of leaving them for the end of the day, you can get them out of your way and cross them off your list first. In doing this, you are more likely to feel the fuel of accomplishment and stick to your schedule when tackling a to-do list this way.