Replacing self-sabotage with confidence

YOU can be brilliant at your job, trusted by everyone around you and still be the one holding yourself back.

- TIFFANY UMAN

Taking small steps, like speaking up when you normally wouldn't, will give you tangible momentum. | Freepik

(Freepik)

For so many top-achieving professionals, the biggest obstacle isn't competence - it's self-sabotage, often disguised as "being realistic".

But every time you hesitate, overanalyse or wait to feel perfectly confident before you act, you reinforce the same pattern that's been keeping you playing small.

Self-sabotage at work shows up in various ways: you downplay your achievements because you don't want it to seem like you're bragging; you volunteer for safe projects instead of more visible ones; you convince yourself you're not ready yet, even though you've been ready for years.

Not addressing these patterns doesn't just slow your growth - it convinces your leadership team that you're content staying where you are. Here are three strategies for stopping self-sabotage and moving forward with confidence:

Take small steps

Self-sabotage may feel like protection in the moment, but in reality it prevents you from becoming the person you're meant to be. Your brain is wired to keep you safe, avoid risks and not ruffle feathers. So the moment something feels uncertain, visible or high-stakes, it sounds the alarm.