Unfortunately, in business and in life, we are often our own worst enemies, says inc. We miss out on opportunities that are by all rights ours to take, we tear ourselves down instead of building ourselves up, and we make the same mistakes over and over again.
It doesn’t have to be that way. With just a slight change in attitude, we can stop sabotaging ourselves, and find the success we want and deserve in our lives.
Communications strategist Karen Berg’s recent book, Your Self Sabotage Survival Guide, shows you get what you want by getting out of your own way. According to Berg, if you’re not getting ahead, it’s “…because you’re standing in your own way. No one can see what you truly have to offer because you’re actually blocking yourself.”
If you find yourself sabotaging yourself–and your opportunities to get ahead–try making these 9 key shifts in attitude.
1. See life as an adventure
As much as you might want to plan every bit of your life, you realistically can’t. Life is an adventure, and we’re only here for a short time. Squeeze the most you can out of it, and enjoy the ride!
2. Don’t become complacent
It’s easy to settle into a rut and to fail to see that we are no longer adding value. Remember that the world is constantly changing around us, and that we have to keep up with the changes, or we will be left behind.
3. Constantly set new goals
Life is all about having big dreams and then doing everything we can to achieve them. Whether your dream is to be the CEO, or to make enough money to be comfortable, or just to get started on an exercise program, always set new goals–and then pursue them with everything you’ve got.
4. Don’t give up–ever
Many people give up literally just months, weeks, or even days before they are about to find the success they have been working so hard to achieve. Never, ever give up–especially when you’re on the verge of success.
5. Look forward to each day
If you’re not in the job you want to be in, then you will never put 100 percent of yourself into it. That goes for personal relationships, too. If you’re not looking forward to each day, then figure out what you need to do so that you will.
6. Don’t be arrogant
No one likes to work with someone whose ego is out of control, or who thinks they know it all or walk on water. Take a good look at yourself in the mirror. If arrogance is a part of your personality, then get rid of it once and for all.
7. Don’t procrastinate
Instead of putting off the important things you need to do each day, set priorities based on their importance and get them done. Refuse to let the everyday distractions that we all have to deal with get in the way of achieving your most-important goals.
8. Be courageous
Sometimes fear can get in the way of our best intentions–sabotaging our ability to get things done. Be willing to take risks and to put yourself on the line. You’ll accomplish more and have a greater impact as a result.
9. Be kind
Being unkind to others is one of the fastest ways to sabotage yourself. Remember and live the Golden Rule by treating others the way you yourself would want to be treated.
Image: Runner via Shutterstock
