Sometimes in life, our greatest obstacle is ourselves. There’s U2 song that’s always resonated with me called “Get Out of Your Own Way” because so many of us, myself included, engage in self-sabotaging behaviors that undermine our success professionally and personally.
First off, getting out of your own way means that your thoughts, habits, beliefs, personal issues and actions are holding you back from being truly successful. In essence you’re sabotaging yourself and engaging in self-defeating behaviors. For me it’s procrastination and sometimes believing I don’t deserve to be happy.
Getting out of your own way means putting aside the anxieties and doubts, ego issues, career pressures, mental blocks and critical inner voices that stand between you and success. It’s believing in yourself and believing that you deserve only the best in your life and that you’re willing to work hard for it. It means listening to your positive inner voice more, surrounding yourself with people who lift you up and support you, and shutting out negativity and self-doubt.
What can you do to overcome your inner baggage? Enjoy your life. Celebrate your successes. Don’t be afraid to get help if you need it. Be kind. Respect others. Don’t be a mean girl (or guy). Value and appreciate others. Learn from your mistakes. Think before you speak and act. If you have to start over, start over with your head held high and vow to become a better version of you. You are resilient and you’ve likely been through worse. Please give yourself a break.
None of us are perfect. We are going to screw up and fail no matter how smart we are – many times. It’s okay. Forgive yourself. Learn from each situation, dust yourself off and always know that no matter what you will be okay.