After building Angela Atelier for years and then launching The Gal Project, I got to know one thing really well: self-sabotage. For me, it feels like carrying a hundred-pound weight on my wrist every time I think about stepping into the spotlight—whether it’s signing up for a public speaking gig or hosting community events that put me front and center. The urge to stall, “What if I’m not ready?” or “Maybe someone else should do this,” feels like a heavy tether, holding back the momentum I so desperately want.
But here’s what transformed the game: awareness. When you spot self-sabotaging habits for what they are, you take back the steering wheel. It’s like turning on a flashlight in a dark room—you see the tripwires before you catch your foot and fall. That spark of recognition is everything.
Marianne Williamson nailed it when she said:
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.”
That heavy resistance? It disguises the truth—it’s fear trying to cover up the power we already hold. The first bold move is naming it so we can face it head-on.
What Self Sabotaging Looks Like in Business Goal-Setting
Understanding how self sabotaging shows up helps us handle it before it derails us.
Overambitious Goals That Freeze You in Place.
Setting goals that feel like climbing Everest in flip-flops isn’t inspiring—it’s overwhelming. Saying you want to “10x my business in one month” without a blueprint quickly backfires, leaving you drained and stuck.
Vague, Wishy-Washy Goals.
“I want to be successful” sounds good until it leaves you drifting without direction or a way to measure progress. Without clarity, it’s easy to stall.
The Inner Critic That Undermines Confidence.
That voice questioning your worth or whispering doubts isn’t reality—it’s sabotage posing as caution. It’s the mental roadblock that convinces us to stay “safe.”
Perfectionism That Paralyzes.
Waiting for the “perfect moment” or “perfect strategy” often means waiting forever. Perfection is an illusion; action is the antidote.
Setting New Year’s Goals That Outsmart Self Sabotaging
We want goals that challenge us, not choke us.
Find Your Why and Let It Be Your North Star
When your goals connect to a purpose that lights a fire inside you, they transform from arbitrary to indispensable.
Build SMART Goals That Ground You in Reality
Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals keep you moving forward with intention, not chaos.
Break Down Big Ambitions Into Manageable Steps
Huge goals can feel like monsters waiting to devour your confidence. Cutting them into bite-sized victories keeps momentum alive.
Create Accountability That Builds You Up
Cultivate a circle that holds you accountable without judgment—a space to be honest, celebrate wins, and course-correct when needed.
Check In With Yourself Regularly
Set consistent checkpoints to reflect, adjust, and celebrate. Flexibility is a sign of strength, not failure.
Taming the Mindsets That Fuel Self Sabotaging
Shift “I Can’t” Into “How Can I?”. Fear often masquerades as “I can’t.” Asking “How can I make this work?” opens the door to solutions and growth.
Practice Radical Self-Compassion
When you stumble, treat yourself with the kindness and encouragement you offer others. This isn’t weakness—it’s self-empowerment.
Let Go of All-or-Nothing Thinking
Progress rarely looks neat. Embrace the messy, imperfect journey. Showing up matters more than getting it perfectly right every time.
Wrapping Up: Make This Year Your Breakthrough Year
The truth is this—self sabotaging might have tripped you up before, but it doesn’t get to run the show anymore. Setting New Year’s goals isn’t just about ambition; it’s about honoring your power, your journey, and your future. When you get clear, get kind to yourself, and break your goals into pieces that fit your rhythm, you’re not just setting goals—you’re creating your own momentum.
We’re in this together, proving every day that the extraordinary things we dream of are well within reach. Here’s to stepping into that power, and owning this year like never before.
Summary: How to Beat Self-Sabotage and Set Goals That Stick
- Recognize the sneaky patterns of self sabotaging in your approach to goals.
- Connect your goals to a deeper purpose that fuels your motivation.
- Use SMART criteria to create clear, actionable, and realistic goals.
- Break big goals into small, celebratory steps.
- Build a supportive network that holds you accountable without judgment.
- Be compassionate with yourself when you hit bumps—progress is a process.
- Commit to regular reflection and course correction.
Your power is real, and your journey deserves goals that lift you higher. Let’s stop tripping over invisible weights and start stepping boldly forward.
The Gal Project is where bold, ambitious, and fierce (BAF) women in NJ & NY come to raise their voices and build a (BAF) community—one story at a time.
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I’m Angela Acosta, founder of Angela Atelier. Through powerful personal branding and portrait sessions, I help women in Perth Amboy, throughout New Jersey, and the greater New York area own their legacy—on camera. Whether you’re a business owner, a creative, or simply stepping into your next big chapter, let’s create images that capture your boldest energy.
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