As a purpose-driven leader, you have a clear mission and the determination to work tirelessly toward its accomplishment. However, there are moments when your energy wanes, and you sense your goals slipping away. The mental fatigue accompanying these feelings could indicate that you are engaging in self-sabotaging behaviors.
Recognize these patterns and commit to making transformative changes to break the cycle and regain momentum.
Here are a few self-sabotaging beliefs and behaviors purpose-driven leaders are susceptible to and how to break them.
Self-Limiting Beliefs
Leaders driven by purpose often harbor hidden beliefs and fears that act as barriers, hindering their progress. Two of the most prevalent are:
Fear of Failure
Purpose-driven leaders often set ambitious goals that challenge the status quo. However, a fear of failure can lead them to undermine their efforts subconsciously.
In an article on fear of failure, Phillip Sherro says no one likes to fail. Yet leaders who seem never to fail are most likely untrustworthy. Accepting and acknowledging failures are critical characteristic of strong and effective leaders.
Sherro claims failure teaches leaders lessons they can’t learn any other way.
Also, he suggests that when leaders fear failure, they will likely engage in self-defeating behaviors such as avoiding risks and thinking small while focusing on self-protection.
Break this fear cycle by reframing failure as a learning opportunity and embracing a growth mindset. Cultivate resilience, celebrate small wins, and learn from setbacks to fuel personal and professional growth.
Self-doubt
Even accomplished purpose-driven leaders can experience feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. These feelings often result in behaviors such as downplaying achievements or avoiding new challenges. A typical label for this self-sabotaging problem is imposter syndrome.
Combat self-doubt by acknowledging your accomplishments, seeking support from mentors or peers, and reframing negative self-talk. Embrace your unique strengths and recognize that you deserve to be in your position.
Self-Sabotaging Behaviors
In addition to holding onto destructive beliefs, purpose-driven leaders may also unconsciously adopt behaviors that undermine their well-being and effectiveness.
Perfectionism
While striving for excellence is admirable, perfectionism can become a self-sabotaging behavior for purpose-driven leaders.
Unrealistic expectations and excessive self-criticism can hinder progress and lead to burnout.
Embrace the “good enough” concept and focus on continuous improvement rather than striving for perfection.
Cambridge University social sciences and digital humanities researcher Itamar Schatz suggests you learn to recognize when investing more time, energy, or resources into something won’t bring about meaningful improvements. Once you reach that point, wrap it up and shift your attention to other things.
Overcommitment
Driven by a desire to make a difference, purpose-driven leaders often take on too many responsibilities and find it challenging to say no.
Perhaps you believe you can never do enough for your cause. Nevertheless, please remember that overcommitment can result in ineffective efforts.
Moreover, taking on more than you can accomplish may lead to a “siege mentality.” According to a Psychology Today article, when you are drowning in others’ priorities, your interactions with your colleagues can become fraught. And yet moving a cause forward requires productive collaboration. Removing the obstacles to coordinated effort is imperative to achieving your desired results.
How can you overcome the overcommitment syndrome? Set clear boundaries. Prioritize tasks that align with your purpose, delegate when appropriate, and learn to say no to non-essential commitments.
Leadership coach Jenn Lofgren warns that you may become so deeply engrossed in the daily routines that you put your head down and lose sight of the bigger picture. Without realizing it, you take on additional responsibilities and create an entire empire centered around your role.
She says it is crucial to carve out space for focused efforts and maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life.
Lack of Self-Care
Purpose-driven leaders are known for their dedication to serving others, often placing their well-being on the back burner. However, neglecting self-care can lead to burnout and diminished effectiveness. It’s essential to break this cycle by prioritizing compassion for yourself.
Engage in activities that rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit. Set aside time for rest, exercise, hobbies, and quality time with loved ones. Remember, taking care of yourself is not selfish but necessary for sustained impact.
In a Harvard Business Review article, leadership coach Palena Neale suggests leaders neglect self-care because they mistakenly believe strong leaders don’t need it. Moreover, her clients say they don’t have time for self-care.
Neale suggests leaders reframe these destructive beliefs about what good leadership looks like. She maintains that self-care is a worthy investment of time.
Seek Feedback and Support
To overcome self-sabotaging tendencies, leaders should actively seek feedback and support from trusted mentors, peers, or coaches. They can provide valuable insights, hold you accountable, and challenge your self-limiting beliefs.
Discuss your struggles and aspirations openly with your coaches and mentors. Stay receptive to their guidance and constructive criticism. By leveraging the wisdom and support of others, you can gain new perspectives and overcome your self-imposed limitations.
Purpose-driven leaders are catalysts for positive change but can unknowingly engage in self-sabotaging behaviors that hinder their progress. Breaking the vicious cycle requires self-awareness, a growth mindset, and a commitment to personal growth.
By embracing failure as a learning opportunity, combating perfectionism, setting boundaries, combating self-doubt, prioritizing self-care, and seeking support, you can transcend self-sabotage, unlock your true potential, and increase your impact.
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