How to Eliminate What’s Sabotaging the Changes You Want to Make in Your Life

Many things in your life can hold you back and sabotage the progress you want to make with changes you want to create for yourself. 

For example, maybe you want to make some kind of change in your life, career, or business, but fear, uncertainty, self-doubt, and the uncomfortable feelings that often come with navigating change stop you from taking action. Or, maybe you know what you want to achieve or make happen, but you are always so busy that you don’t have time to work on it consistently, so it always feels just out of reach.

Sometimes, we tolerate these sorts of things for weeks, months, and even years, which keeps us stuck in a frustrating cycle. 

Unless you commit to addressing these obstacles, that cycle will continue — because what you tolerate persists.

It’s time to stop tolerating what’s holding you back. Breaking free from these patterns can make the difference between staying stuck and creating the life you truly want.

The good news is that change is possible. By identifying what’s holding you back and taking intentional action, you can finally move toward the changes you want to make. Here’s how to get started:

Here are four steps to help you get started with eliminating the things that sabotage the changes you want to make in your life: 

Step 1: Identify What You’re Tolerating

Take a hard look at what’s slowing your progress. Make a list of everything — big or small — that’s getting in the way of the changes you want to create.

Consider both internal and external factors:

• Internal factors include things like fear, self-doubt, limiting beliefs, lack of confidence, exhaustion, and procrastination.
• External factors include things like busyness, overscheduling, financial constraints, lack of resources, and the absence of a clear plan.

Clarity is the first step toward change. The more specific you are about what’s sabotaging your progress, the easier it becomes to eliminate it.

Step 2: Create a Simple Action Plan

Once you’ve identified what’s holding you back, create a plan to address it. Don’t overcomplicate it — identify small, manageable steps to tackle each item on your list.

The key is consistency. Small, consistent actions will gradually remove these obstacles and keep you moving forward.

Step 3: Prevent Problems from Coming Back

After addressing what’s been sabotaging your progress, take steps to prevent those challenges from resurfacing.

Ask yourself:

• What systems or routines can I put in place to maintain progress?
• How can I stay aware of potential pitfalls and address them before they take hold?

By proactively putting safeguards in place, you’re creating a foundation for lasting change. 

Step 4: Set and Maintain Strong Boundaries

Boundaries are your protective shield. They safeguard your time, energy, and focus, preventing the same obstacles from derailing your progress again.

Be clear and firm about your boundaries. Hold yourself accountable for maintaining them so that what sabotaged you in the past doesn’t creep back in.

Awareness + Action = Lasting Change

What you’re doing here is creating awareness — and awareness is the precursor to change. But keep in mind that awareness without action is a lost opportunity.

Take these four steps, see what comes up for you, and take action on what you discover. The changes you want to make are within reach when you stop tolerating what’s holding you back.