(Me in Ojai, California)
I have sabotaged myself in a thousand different ways.
I’ve done them all–way more times that I can count.
I’ve sabotaged myself in ways I never knew I was sabotaging myself.
If you’re an introvert like me, you know what I’m talking about.
It’s our way of hiding and not taking ownership of our gifts.
Here are 3 common ways introverts often self sabotage and what to do instead:
1.Going Backwards Whether we didn’t take an idea as far as we could have, finished that art project, or compiled all of those blogposts of a similar theme and turned them into a e-book, there are any number of woulda-shoulda-coulda “million dollar ideas” we might have pursued that keep us stuck in the past and prevent us from moving forward.
It’s okay. Bring it into the present. You’re on to something new now. That was you then, you learned from it, and now you’re ready for something slightly–or totally different. Rather than wasting time worrying about what happened in the past, quit over-thinking it and go with your now.
2.Paying Attention to Criticism or Praise Because, as in the immortal words of The Dude, ”It’s just like your opinion, man”.
They’re both just distractions. And, although they can be helpful, and you can learn from each of them, it’s really more about the one who criticizes or praises than it is about you. If it’s criticism we’re talking about, and it really bothers you, give yourself five minutes to wallow in it, then let it go. Pretty soon, that five minutes will turn into five seconds and you’ll quickly get back to working on your business.
3.Being Too In Awe of Your Heros They’ve influenced us, inspired us, become popular on a grand scale, and are everyone’s darlings but in the end they’re just other people with opinions, dreams, aspirations, goals, ideas…kinda like you–with maybe a bigger mailing list.
How about being your own hero. You have opinions, a certain, fresh way of viewing things that can also inspire, help others create their dreams, or just make someone’s day a little bit better. Instead of chasing after stars, how about reaching for some of your own.
Keep moving forward.
Accept criticism or praise graciously, then get back to work.
While admiring your heroes, learn to find your own voice.
P.S. And, by the way, I’d love to know the tricks that trip you up and how you plan to keep them from sabotaging your success.
Email me:
jean@ jecompto@outlook.com
#FromFollowerToLeader
