Have you self-sabotaged career decisions?
Have you ever self sabotaged? You know, when you are given a great opportunity and you squander it somehow - not because you don't want the opportunity - but you get in your own way.
I definitely have! For me, self sabotage gets masked as very rational decision making.
I was offered an awesome job that felt a bit too good to be true, but I would have had to move back to Toronto (I was living in SF at the time) so I turned it down.
HR asked me to throw my hat in the ring for an SVP job, but it was in an area of the business I had never worked in, so (despite changing functions multiple times at the Director / VP level) I said I wasn't interested.
And there are more examples…
I think a lot of think that self sabotage is a big act - like Will Smith punching Chris Rock at the Oscars.
But in my experience, and the experience of my clients, it typically looks like a very rational choice.
Our brains are designed to keep us safe, so when a big opportunity comes up - it can be consciously exciting, but subconsciously we are afraid - of failing, of not getting the job, of getting it wrong. When our subconscious is trying to keep us safe - it leads us to believe we don't actually want it that badly anyways. That is isn't worth the investment or the risk.
I don't say this with regret - all of the decisions I have made led me to my amazing business today. But I am telling you this so you can start to recognize it in yourself.
To avoid it I do 2 things:
I ask myself “what would the person with my goal do?" That person is more confident, more self-assured and can do anything! I trust that she will make a decision guided by confidence, not fear.
I have a coach that sees me as the person who has accomplished my goal. She challenges my 'rational' thinking and call me out when I am keeping myself small.
How has self-sabotage been keeping you safe? Has it been keeping you small?
Self-sabotage can show up even when you want to invest in yourself. It tells you that “I don't have time” or “I can't afford it” - sometimes that is true - but often it is a way to keep yourself from admitting that you want something more from your life or your career - or admitting that you are stuck. Investing in yourself will get you unstuck so if you don't invest in yourself it can be a way that you are self-sabotaging and keeping yourself stuck and small.
If there is a little voice inside saying that you want to invest in yourself to finally get unstuck and create a career with the life, legacy, income and impact you desire - it is time to listen to it. At least to learn more and see if it feels like a good fit for you.
The bonuses for The Purposeful Pivot officially end tonight. However, I am extending it for folks who book a call and join this week - as long as the call is booked by end of day Tuesday, April 29th.
Learn more about the Purposeful Pivot here.
This isn't just career coaching. It's deep personal alignment with strategic guidance.You'll reconnect with what matters, build a career around it, and take bold, supported action.
If you are feeling a tug or a little voice in your head telling you this sounds like something that you could benefit from, don't let your rational brain self-sabotage you. Book a Free Career Clarity Call Today
