Are You Sabotaging Your Success?
Do you have what it takes to truly be successful—and more importantly, to maintain that success?
I call it a success breakout—that moment when you push past limits, break through resistance, and achieve the win you’ve been chasing. But here’s the other side of that coin: success sabotage.
Most people don’t talk about it, but it’s real. And it’s probably happening to more people than you think.
What is Success Sabotage?
Some people are so unfamiliar with winning that when they finally achieve it, something unexpected happens. Along with that big win comes a heightened sense of awareness. Unfortunately, that same awareness that propelled you to success can also stir up all kinds of hidden baggage—old traumas, bad memories, unresolved inconsistencies in your life.
Instead of facing that discomfort head-on, many shrink back down to a “safe” and mediocre place. Why? Because it feels familiar. It feels easier.
The Dangerous Trap
Here’s the worst part: some people actually stop. They take a “break.” They go on vacation. Some even retire early.
Now, I’m not saying you can’t rest—recovery is important—but if you’re doing it to escape discomfort, you’re killing your own momentum. And in business and life, momentum is everything. Lose it, and you risk sliding back to where you started—or worse.
Why This Happens
Your subconscious mind is wired for safety, not success. When you step into new levels of achievement, your brain sometimes interprets it as a threat because it’s unknown territory. That’s when self-sabotaging behaviors creep in—hesitation, procrastination, distraction.
The Antidote: Awareness + Action
Step one is awareness. Recognize the patterns. Ask yourself:
- Am I pulling back just as things start to take off?
- Am I looking for an “out” when things get uncomfortable?
Step two is action. Success isn’t a one-time event—it’s a process. You must continue to challenge yourself, even when it feels uncomfortable.
Your Challenge
The Success Momentum Challenge:
- Identify one area where you’ve pulled back after a win. Write it down.
- Commit to one bold action this week that moves you forward in that area.
- Share your commitment with a trusted friend, mentor, or team member so you’re held accountable.
Success isn’t just about breaking out—it’s about staying out. Don’t let old patterns drag you back. The next level of your life is waiting, but it’s only yours if you keep moving toward it.
Stay tuned for Part 2, where I’ll share the specific strategies to keep your success momentum alive.
