Sometimes our biggest obstacle to achieving our goals are ourselves.
Yes, external factors can also be the culprit but if you’ve noticed more times than not that your actions are the reason, its time to regroup. Self-sabotaging is a habit many of us pick up unintentionally and has lasting implications. Our brain forms these types of habits by repletion of certain practices. How often we have negative thoughts, or spending time with people who don’t inspire us, or give up after any minor inconvenience. Luckily, we’ve got some tips to help you get out of your own way.
Forgive Yourself
A great first step to getting out of your own way is to let go of past mistakes. There may have been several times that you set a goal and you didn’t achieve it, or failed at something you really wanted to accomplish. It’s okay! It’s time to shift your focus on what you can do differently next time. Think about the decisions you made and how they impacted your outcome, what you think could’ve been a better decision and how to implement these changes when presented with a similar opportunity next time. Having the right plan in place is one way to help you get out of your own way but also keep in mind that you have to continuously forgive yourself moving forward. Which leads to the next point…
@anisah.kaleigh 5 ways to forgive yourself #selfimprovementchallenge #forgivenessuniversity #forgiveyourself #motivationtiktok #blackgirltiktokers ♬ Lofi – Domknowz
Avoid Perfectionism
There is absolutely nothing in this world that is perfect! If you think that everything you do has to be perfect then you will always be disappointed in yourself. All you can do is try your best and even then, there are so many different outcomes that you can’t control.
You can plan a pretty picnic but you can’t predict the weather.
-Outkast
Speak kindly to yourself. Tell yourself that you’re trying your best (and mean it.) You can change direction, go with the flow and roll with the punches but there’s nothing wrong with your plan not going the way you had hoped. People who strive for perfection often don’t even start.
@natali__nicole If you get caught in perfectionism, this can provide a perspective shift to help! #perfectionism #healing ♬ original sound – Natali Rivers
Hold Yourself Accountable
It’s okay to forgive yourself for mistakes but that doesn’t mean accountability should be off the table. When you find yourself about to make excuses, shift your focus on what you can control and make the right adjustments. If you find that you don’t have time to work on your goals, change your schedule. Discipline is needed in order to get out of your own way. When you have a goal in mind, don’t let anything stop you along the way.
Just Start
It’s just that simple. Stop procrastinating and do it! The time will never be “right,” you just have to pull your big girl panties up and get to it.
Put the effort in and plan ahead. Use your calendar and schedule your priorities so that you’ll commit to them. Get in the zone and remove distractions like your phone and Netflix. These are all ways to help you “just start.” But the biggest one, is to throw perfection out the window! It is hard to get the ball rolling, but once its on a roll you have all the momentum you need to keep pushing through!
@growth_szn New month, new goals. Start now 🤝 #gymtok #fitness #motivation #studsoftiktok ♬ original sound – NBA and AFL Edits
Remember Your Why
Instead of just doing things for no reason, remind yourself of your purpose. If you find difficulty in seeing the big picture of the activity you’re doing, then it doesn’t serve you any purpose. However, that doesn’t mean avoiding tasks that you don’t enjoy. The journey to achieving your goals isn’t going to always be fun but it will pay off in the end. Small, daunting tasks that will lead you to the next level are needed.
Write down your ultimate goals and ask yourself if they are goals actually worth having. For example, a lot of people who have goals of being rich, achieve it and aren’t happy. They didn’t necessarily want more money, but something even deeper.