It's that nagging voice in our heads that makes us second-guess our abilities, question our worth, and ultimately hold ourselves back from reaching our full potential.
In The Climb Podcast, Season 2, Episode 2, titled "Self-Sabotage: Are You Your Worst Enemy in Your Career Growth?", we dive into a topic that resonates deeply with so many women of color navigating their careers: self-sabotage.
What Is Self-Sabotage?
Self-sabotage occurs when you consciously or unconsciously prevent yourself from reaching your goals. It can manifest in many ways, such as procrastination, perfectionism, or even a persistent doubt in your own abilities. For many women, especially women of color, these behaviors are often rooted in deeper societal pressures and internalized fears.
In the podcast, I shared some self-sabotage indicators of how, despite being well-qualified, we shrink in meetings, hesitate to speak up, or hold back from opportunities. Sound familiar? You're not alone.
Why Do We Sabotage Ourselves?
Self-sabotage is complex and multifaceted. For women of color, it can stem from the added layers of discrimination, microaggressions, and the pressure to constantly prove ourselves in environments that may not always be welcoming. We sometimes internalize these experiences, leading us to believe we aren't good enough or don't belong.
This mindset can be deeply ingrained, and over time, it becomes second nature. We start to believe that it’s safer to stay small, to not take risks, and to avoid the possibility of failure. But in doing so, we also prevent ourselves from growing, thriving, and truly stepping into our power.
Breaking Free from the Cycle
So, how do we break free from the cycle of self-sabotage? The first step is awareness. Recognize when you’re holding yourself back and question why. Are you afraid of failure? Rejection? Or is it something deeper, like the fear of not being enough?
Next, challenge those thoughts. Remind yourself of your accomplishments, your strengths, and your values. Surround yourself with a supportive network of peers and mentors who can help you see your worth when you can't.
Lastly, take action. Even small steps can lead to significant changes. Speak up in that meeting, apply for that promotion, or start that project you’ve been putting off. Each action you take is a step away from self-sabotage and a step toward owning your success.
Your Call to Action
This week, please reflect on the ways you might be sabotaging yourself. Identify one area where you're holding back and commit to making a change. It doesn't have to be monumental—sometimes, the smallest shifts in mindset can lead to the most significant breakthroughs.
Remember, you are the only thing standing between you and your next career move.
It's time to step out of your way and climb higher.
Tune In to The Climb Podcast
Tune into Season 2, Episode 2: "Self-Sabotage. Are you your worst enemy in your career growth?” for more in-depth discussions on overcoming self-sabotage. Share your strategies with other women of color so we can Climb together.
