Today let’s talk about self sabotage.
Have you ever felt like somehow you’re getting in your own way?
I In the ‘80s, I was working in the oil industry in Houston, and when I attained the highest pay for my segment of the industry, I suddenly decided I was tired of that work, and needed to go do something else. It was a pretty big stretch for me to come up with a sensible reason for that action – and in truth, my reasons sounded pretty lame at the time. I was sabotaging my success just as I was achieving it. I had to look underneath current events, to find out where I learned how to get in my own way and undercut my success. No surprise that it had started in childhood, but working on those issues allowed me to be more my natural, successful self, and was very freeing.
Have you ever felt like you were sabotaging your career?
Photo Credit
The Microsoft Office Clip Art Collection
Dan L. Hays offers encouragement for adult children of alcoholics.
The podcasts of these episodes can be found at: Minute to Freedom
Thanks Gil! Yes, sometimes it’s a really fine line. Much earlier in my career, I figured out I didn’t fit in the corporate world and quit my job with a major oil company. Interestingly it was the 30 year career men who most supported my actions. Several said “If I was your age, I’d do exactly what you’re doing.” I had to leave to see that it was the best decision for me.
But that wasn’t always the case, as I mentioned above – and I was really puzzled by why I would “grow tired” of that industry just when I had achieved success. I think it’s a matter of knowing the motive – which I didn’t at the time – or digging around to discover why I was getting in my way. That has made the bizarre career move less of an intrusion into my world! 🙂
Great exchange of thoughts, Gil!
Dan
Hi Dan,
You know, that’s a very interesting question. There have been times in my life when I felt that I just might be doing that. Then again, I’ve met so many people who won’t make the kind of decisions you made (leave your job) and stay in a caustic environment for years … sabotaging their happiness.
Fine line … great food for thought!
Cheers,
Gil