High-achievers, driven by ambition and high standards, are particularly susceptible to self-sabotage. The pressure to succeed, the fear of not living up to expectations, and an underlying belief they're not "good enough" often trigger self-sabotaging behaviors.

self-sabotage in high-performers

• Overthinking: you analyze decisions endlessly, leading to paralysis.

• Over-Responsibility: you take on too much and feel overwhelmed.

• Self-Doubt: you second-guess yourself and your abilities.

• Stagnation: you feel stuck and can't move forward or change anything about a situation.

• Criticizing: you're extremely severe for yourself.

common fears driving this self-sabotage

• Fear of letting go: "If I don't control it all - which I know I can until a certain point - nobody will or it will fall apart."

• Fear of failure: "I won't meet the (often self-imposed) high standards."

• Fear of image loss: "They'll find out I'm not as good as they think."

• Fear of success: "I'm not worthy of success" or "I can't handle it."

• Fear of the unknown: "I prefer the familiar, even if unhealthy, to avoid the discomfort of change."

• Fear of perfection: "I need to achieve this unattainable ideal and it paralyzes me."

• Fear of stopping: "If I slow down or take a break, I will lose momentum."

3 phases to stop self-sabotage

• Wake up: Recognize your specific self-sabotaging patterns and understand the underlying fears driving them. 

• Choose: Make a conscious decision to change. Embrace vulnerability and imperfection as part of the growth process.

• Dare to be great: Step into your full potential, even when fearing failure or success. Remember, true success comes from inner fulfillment.

Check out concrete examples on how to do this in this article about getting unstuck.

you're not alone

Many high-achievers struggle with self-sabotage. You don't have to face this challenge alone. Get support from a coach, therapist, or mentor who understands your pressures.

 Book a free 15-minute call to discuss how activation coaching can help you overcome self-sabotage and achieve lasting success.

Remember: Self-sabotage is not who you are, it's your current strategy to book success because you don't know better. It's a learned behavior that can be unlearned.