The Sneaky Face of Self-Sabotage

Let’s talk about self-sabotage… in disguise. It’s sneaky. It doesn’t always look like fear. It often shows up wearing a cute little outfit that suggests ambition, strategy, or being responsible. But what it is… is fear. And it sounds like this: “I just need to tweak my website a little more…” “I’ll post once I get brand photos done.” “I’m going to take one more course before I launch.” “I’ll wait until things calm down.” “I’m not ready yet.”

Ever said one of those things? Yeah—me too. And what I’ve learned is that most of the time, that isn’t you being practical. That’s perfectionism, procrastination, and over-preparing—all working together to keep you safe from the discomfort of growth. This is a common form of self-sabotage, where the desire for perfection or the need for more preparation becomes a barrier to actually starting.

Recognizing Hidden Self-Sabotage Patterns

Self-sabotage doesn’t always look like quitting. Sometimes it seems like preparing goes on endlessly. You might find yourself constantly researching, taking courses, or refining details, all under the guise of being thorough. While these activities can be valuable, they become a form of self-sabotage when they prevent you from taking action. The underlying fear of imperfection or failure fuels this endless preparation, keeping you stuck in a cycle of “almost ready.”

Think about it. How many times have you told yourself you just needed one more thing before you could begin? That “one more thing” often becomes an excuse, a comfortable delay tactic that shields you from the vulnerability of putting yourself and your work out there. This disguised self-sabotage can be particularly insidious because it feels productive. You’re “working” on your goal, but you’re not moving forward in a meaningful way.

Breaking Free From the Cycle

And the only way to break that cycle is with one powerful shift: Move from “I’m not ready” to “I’m becoming ready.” Becoming ready looks like showing up even when you’re nervous, starting before it feels perfect, practicing confidence while you’re still shaking, learning through doing, and taking one small step—even if it’s a bit messy. It’s about embracing the discomfort of growth and recognizing that progress often happens in imperfect steps.

So if you’ve been caught in the cycle of “almost ready,” this is your reminder: Today can be Day One. You don’t have to have it all figured out to begin. You don’t need more time, more planning, or more proof. You need to believe that showing up imperfectly is still a step forward. And if you’re ready to break the pattern and finally move forward, I’d love to support you. → Click here to book a 1:1 mindset session with me. Let’s uncover the belief that’s keeping you stuck and shift it, so you can do the thing you’ve been dreaming about.