The Real Struggle of Self-Sabotage: We All Face It
Dear readers,
Self-sabotage is real. It sneaks into our thoughts, tells us we’re not good enough, and convinces us that we’re destined to fail. It starts as a small voice, a doubt in our minds that tells us we can’t do something. That voice grows louder, convincing us we aren’t worthy of success. It’s a dangerous cycle, and it’s something we all experience—no matter our age.
I saw a post from my cousin, Jamelia, on her Facebook page, and it hit me so deeply that I knew I had to share it. With her permission, I’m using her words because this message is too powerful to keep to myself:
“Self-sabotage is real. Don’t let your mind destroy your life. Even if you fail, you can say you TRIED!”
These words serve as a reminder that success doesn’t always look like winning or achieving everything we set out to do. Sometimes, success is simply showing up, trying, and being brave enough to take that first step—even when everything inside you says to stop.
For the young: Maybe you’re just starting out in life and have big dreams, but fear of failure keeps you from pursuing them. You see others excelling, and the comparison game takes over. You convince yourself you’re not as good as them, so you stay in the shadows. You sabotage your own potential by waiting for the “perfect moment” that may never come.
For the middle-aged: Perhaps you’ve built a career or family, and now you’re faced with the thought of pursuing something new—a passion project, a career change, or taking a personal risk. But the voice in your head says, “It’s too late. I’ve got too much to lose. What if I fail?” The fear of taking risks can make you hesitant to move forward, even though you know deep down that growth requires stepping out of your comfort zone. You hold back, thinking it’s safer not to try at all.
For the older generation: Maybe you’ve spent years building your life, but now, with age, there’s a hesitation to push boundaries. The mind might say, “It’s too late to start over. Why try something new now?” The desire to protect what you’ve worked for keeps you stuck in a safe but stagnant place, sabotaging your own potential for continued growth.
I’m guilty of this myself. We all struggle with self-doubt at different stages of life. I’m not an expert here, just someone who’s been on the receiving end of these thoughts, trying to overcome them. But the key is recognizing when you’re holding yourself back and refusing to let those limiting beliefs control you. It’s okay to fail. It’s okay to stumble. But don’t let fear stop you from trying. Don’t let self-sabotage win. You are capable, no matter how old you are, and your journey is worth every step, even the missteps.
Remember, success isn’t just about avoiding failure. It’s about learning from it and pushing forward despite the obstacles. Every step you take is part of the growth process. So, show up. Try. And give yourself permission to fail, because in doing so, you give yourself the opportunity to succeed.
With courage and determination,
Just Catrina
P.S. A special thank you to my cousin, Jamelia, for sharing her wisdom and inspiring this post. Your words made all the difference.
