The most successful seasoned professionals focus on building skills, networking, and seizing opportunities to overcome the obstacles that may stand in the way of progress.
But the biggest obstacles to success aren’t external—they’re internal.
Stress, self-doubt, fear of failure, and other hidden behaviors can silently sabotage even the most talented professionals, holding them back from reaching their full potential.
These internal struggles don’t just impact performance; they shape how we see ourselves and our ability to thrive in the workplace. The truth is, no amount of hard work or ambition can overcome these self-imposed barriers unless we confront them head-on.
The good news is that these behaviors can be overcome - but it takes work.
In this guide, we’ll explore the seven most common behaviors that guarantee career failure—and more importantly, how to overcome them.
1. Being Stressed
Stress is a state of mental or emotional strain caused by overwhelming pressure, demands, or challenges. In the workplace, it often arises from tight deadlines, high expectations, or a lack of control over one’s responsibilities.
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Root Causes: Overcommitment, lack of boundaries, poor time management, or unrealistic expectations.
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Strategies to Overcome:
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Set Boundaries: Learn to say "no" when your plate is full. Protect your personal time and avoid overloading yourself.
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Prioritize Self-Care: Incorporate activities like exercise, meditation, or hobbies into your routine to recharge.
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Break Tasks Down: Large projects can feel overwhelming. Break them into smaller, manageable steps to reduce stress.
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Seek Support: Talk to a mentor, manager, or therapist if stress becomes unmanageable.
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2. Being Anxious
Anxiety is a feeling of unease, worry, or fear about future events or outcomes. It often involves excessive overthinking and a sense of impending doom, even when there’s no immediate threat.
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Root Causes: Fear of the unknown, perfectionism, or past negative experiences.
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Strategies to Overcome:
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Focus on the Present: Practice mindfulness or grounding techniques to stay in the moment rather than worrying about the future.
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Challenge Catastrophic Thinking: Ask yourself, “What’s the worst that could happen, and how likely is it?” Often, the worst-case scenario is unlikely.
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Prepare Thoroughly: Anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared. Create detailed plans or rehearse for high-stakes situations.
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Seek Professional Help: If anxiety is persistent, consider therapy or counseling to develop coping mechanisms.
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3. Doubting Yourself
Self-doubt is a lack of confidence in one’s abilities, decisions, or worth. It involves questioning whether you’re capable of achieving your goals or deserving of success.
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Root Causes: Comparison to others, past failures, or lack of confidence in your abilities.
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Strategies to Overcome:
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Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and reward yourself for even minor accomplishments to build confidence.
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Stop Comparing Yourself: Focus on your own progress rather than measuring yourself against others.
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Keep a Success Journal: Write down your achievements and positive feedback to remind yourself of your capabilities.
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Take Risks: Start with low-stakes challenges to prove to yourself that you can succeed.
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4. Being Afraid to Fail
Fear of failure is the intense dread of making mistakes or not meeting expectations. It often stems from a desire to avoid embarrassment, judgment, or disappointment.
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Root Causes: Perfectionism, high expectations, or fear of judgment from others.
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Strategies to Overcome:
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Reframe Failure: View failure as a stepping stone to success. Ask, “What can I learn from this experience?”
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Set Realistic Goals: Break big goals into smaller, achievable steps to reduce the pressure.
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Focus on Effort, Not Outcome: Celebrate the effort you put in, regardless of the result.
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Visualize Success: Imagine yourself succeeding to build confidence and reduce fear.
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5. Procrastination
Procrastination is the act of delaying or postponing tasks, often despite knowing that doing so will lead to negative consequences. It’s typically driven by fear, perfectionism, or a lack of motivation.
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Root Causes: Fear of failure, lack of motivation, or feeling overwhelmed by the task.
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Strategies to Overcome:
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Start Small: Commit to working on a task for just 5 minutes. Often, starting is the hardest part.
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Eliminate Distractions: Create a focused work environment by turning off notifications or using apps that block distractions.
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Set Deadlines: Even for tasks without strict deadlines, create your own to stay accountable.
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Understand the “Why”: Connect the task to your larger goals to increase motivation.
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6. Limiting Beliefs
Limiting beliefs are deeply held assumptions or thoughts that restrict your potential. These beliefs often stem from past experiences, societal conditioning, or negative feedback.
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Root Causes: Past experiences, societal expectations, or negative feedback from others.
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Strategies to Overcome:
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Identify the Belief: Write down the limiting belief (e.g., “I’m not good enough”) and question its validity.
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Replace with Empowering Beliefs: Create affirmations like, “I am capable of achieving my goals.”
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Surround Yourself with Positivity: Spend time with people who uplift and encourage you.
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Take Action: Prove your limiting beliefs wrong by taking small steps toward your goals.
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7. Negative Self-Talk
Negative self-talk is the habit of engaging in critical, discouraging, or pessimistic internal dialogue. It reinforces self-doubt and undermines confidence.
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Root Causes: Internalized criticism, perfectionism, or low self-esteem.
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Strategies to Overcome:
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Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness you would offer a friend.
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Challenge Negative Thoughts: Ask yourself, “Is this thought true? What evidence do I have to support or refute it?”
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Use Positive Affirmations: Replace negative self-talk with statements like, “I am capable and resilient.”
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Seek Feedback: Ask trusted colleagues or friends for their perspective to counter your self-critical thoughts.
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Additional Tips for Long-Term Success:
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Build a Support System: Surround yourself with mentors, peers, and friends who encourage and challenge you.
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Invest in Personal Development: Read books, attend workshops, or take courses to grow both personally and professionally.
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Practice Gratitude: Regularly reflect on what you’re grateful for to shift your mindset from lack to abundance.
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Stay Adaptable: Embrace change and view challenges as opportunities to learn and grow.
Final Thoughts
These behaviors are interconnected and often feed into one another. For example, stress can lead to anxiety, which fuels self-doubt and procrastination. Left unchecked, they create a cycle that stifles growth, limits opportunities, and ultimately leads to career stagnation or failure.
Overcoming these behaviors is not about perfection but progress. By consistently working on these areas, you can break free from self-sabotaging patterns and create a career filled with growth, fulfillment, and success.