6 Ways Women Self Sabotage and How To Stop It

You may read our blog post below or watch the video with the content and info HERE on Shero Lightstar YouTube by Teresa Salhi
Too often, women, especially those in the prime of their lives, find themselves once again or still caught in cycles of self-doubt, of guilt or fear of something such as success, of love, of being judged, etc. These feelings can easily and often do manifest as self-sabotage. It backfires and you don’t even realize it until it’s too late. But hold on, it’s not too late to change it. And I will tell you exactly how to do so in this video.
I am going to cover six areas that are often self-sabotaged by women in their own lives.
Self-sabotage refers to behaviors, thoughts, or actions, whether conscious or unconscious, that actively hinder your progress toward your goals or well-being, your love life. And essentially, you are getting in your own way and hindering even your spiritual growth, your personal development, or connection to something larger than oneself, connection to others. And the bottom line is this often stems from negative self-beliefs or fears.
Self-sabotage can prevent you from achieving your goals and living a fulfilling life. It can increase stress and anxiety, lead to feelings of frustration and hopelessness. It can damage relationships and lower self-esteem.
I speak to this because I’ve been there too. I’m also coming to you with some great solutions.
Hi, I’m Teresa Sahi here at Empower the Dream. So, yes, there is a silver lining truth to all of this and that is you, my darling. You are not your setbacks. You are your choices, and you can change those at any time, including right now. You just need to make better choices. And although that may come with a learning curve, it’s totally doable. There is a silver lining.
So, let’s get on with it and let’s get clear and get empowered by exploring six of the most common self-sabotaging mistakes and behaviors that women make, and shift the narrative toward being a high vibrational woman who is aligned in her feminine self-empowerment and living in the lap of luxury, love, happiness, and success.
Yes, it’s never too late or too early to embody what I’m about to share with you now. So, let’s go.
Mistake Number One: Are You Too Perfect? — Perfectionism
Why is this a self-sabotaging pattern?
Many women strive for perfection, believing that anything less will lead to failure or judgment and not finding love or happiness. And it’s not your fault. Perfectionism is a false society illusion. This can paralyze progress and create a cycle of procrastination and self-criticism.
It may even keep you from pursuing your dreams or finding your soulmate or having a successful, long-lasting relationship or career because of the fear of not measuring up.
So ask yourself: Do I have a fear of not being perfect? Where in my life does this show up?
Now here’s what to do instead:
Embrace the idea of progress over perfection. Reflect on your past and all the things that you did accomplish regardless of how big or small. Relish in all of those successes. Remind yourself that you are always growing, and you’re always learning. Successes come through trial and error.
Note where you got better at something by doing it more than once. Yes, perfection is an illusion. What matters is your effort and resilience. Let go of the need to be flawless and give yourself permission to evolve.
Exercise: Journaling for Self-Reflection.
Journaling is a transformative tool that allows you to process emotions, uncover limiting beliefs, and track your spiritual growth. It’s an excellent way to reflect on your experiences and identify patterns of self-sabotage.
You can have a gratitude journal — write down three things that you’re grateful for each day. This shifts your mindset from scarcity to abundance and reinforces positive outlooks.
You can also practice shadow work: journaling about past hurts, fears, and limiting beliefs, which can help you confront and heal parts of yourself that may be holding you back. Write about your inner critic, explore where these feelings originated, and how you can release them.
This shadow work is good for perfectionism.
Mistake Number Two: Overthinking and Second-Guessing Decisions
Why is this a self-sabotaging pattern?
Overthinking is a common trap that keeps women stuck in indecision. Fear of making the wrong choice often leads to paralysis where no decision is made at all. The truth is, indecision can be more damaging than making a choice that doesn’t work out.
Ask yourself: Do I trust my intuition? Do I even hear it? In what area of my life do I overanalyze or second-guess myself?
Here’s what to do instead: Trust your intuition. Take calculated risks. Remember, not every decision needs to be perfect to be valuable. Learn from mistakes. Confidence is built through action, not hesitation. Take the first step and the path will become clear.
Empowering Practice: Meditation and Mindfulness
Meditation is a powerful tool for creating inner peace, self-awareness, and emotional healing. It can help women get in touch with their true self, and separate her from the noise of external expectations and self-doubt.
Regular practice helps to quiet your mind, reduce anxiety, and cultivate self-compassion. It also helps you stay present, reducing overthinking and second-guessing.
When you’re calm, you can listen more deeply to your intuition and higher self. You can even enter meditation with a question for your higher self and listen for that guidance.
Practice makes this stronger and more natural over time.
Mistake Number Three: People-Pleasing and Overextending Yourself
Why is this a self-sabotaging pattern?
Many women tend to put others’ needs before their own, often at the expense of their well-being. This stems from a desire for validation, approval, and a fear of disappointing others.
But constantly saying yes to everyone can lead to burnout and resentment — and that actually blocks your feminine energy, too.
Ask yourself: Is there anywhere in my life where I need to say no or stop overextending myself?
What to do instead: Set strong boundaries and prioritize your own needs. It’s not selfish to take care of yourself — it’s necessary. Learn to say no without guilt and focus on your personal goals and well-being.
True growth comes from balance, not exhaustion.
Practice saying one “no” this week — whether to someone else or to yourself — and it will definitely get easier.
Mistake Number Four: Holding on to Past Mistakes or Trauma
Why is this a self-sabotaging pattern?
Carrying around past failures, regrets, or unresolved trauma can weigh heavily on a woman’s spirit and affect her ability to move forward. This emotional baggage often leads to self-doubt and fear of failure, which inhibits growth.
What to do instead: Release the past. Practice self-compassion and forgiveness. Understand that your past does not define your future.
Healing and growth come from embracing the lessons, not staying stuck in the pain. Focus on the present and the possibilities ahead.
Try this Exercise: Incomplete Feelings Journal.
Write about areas of your life where forgiveness is needed — for yourself or others. Forgiveness does not mean condoning; it means letting go so it no longer holds you to the past.
Mistake Number Five: Neglecting Self-Worth or Settling for Less
Why is this a self-sabotaging pattern?
Many women undervalue their worth or settle for situations that don’t serve them — in love, work, or life. They may feel they don’t deserve more or fear pursuing what they truly desire.
Ask yourself: Do I dismiss my own value and settle for less in any area of my life?
What to do instead: Claim your worth and stand firm in your values. Never settle for less than what you deserve — in relationships, career, friendships, or self-care. Surround yourself with people and opportunities that reflect your true potential.
Practice: Self-Love Affirmations and Meditation
Remember, you are divinely created and inherently worthy. Create affirmations such as:
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“I am worthy of love and success.”
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“I am valuable to the world in my own unique way.”
You can also practice loving-kindness meditation (Metta), repeating affirmations of compassion toward yourself and others to build self-worth and release negative emotions.
Mistake Number Six: Self-Doubt and Impostor Syndrome
Why is this a self-sabotaging pattern?
Impostor syndrome is the belief that you don’t truly belong or deserve your success despite evidence to the contrary. It can cause women to hold back and not fully step into their power.
Ask yourself: Where in my life am I feeling doubtful about myself — that I don’t deserve what I have, or that I’m acting as an impostor instead of being truly valued?
What to do instead: Recognize that everyone has moments of self-doubt — it’s part of being human. Don’t let it define you. Let it motivate you. Own your achievements, acknowledge your hard work, and understand that you’ve earned every step of your journey.
Confidence is a muscle that grows with use.
Practice: Visualization
Imagine yourself already living the life you desire. See yourself stepping confidently into your power, your goals coming to fruition, and feel the emotions of success — without any self-doubt.
All of these practices are ones I’ve shared with my coaching clients, and they’ve implemented them with tremendous results.
If you’d like more personalized help, please reach out to me, Teresa Thog, on the Empower the Dream YouTube channel.
These are six ways that women can damage their lives and hold themselves back from their true goals and dreams by self-sabotaging without even knowing it. Take any of these that resonate with you and practice the suggestions offered.
Please do not waste any more of your divine, precious life with self-sabotage. You are far too important for that.
It’s time to break free from the limiting patterns that have held you back. Every choice you make today is an opportunity to reshape your story.
Remember: The only thing standing between you and your future is the belief that you can rise above the past and have the courage to take action.
You are worthy of all the success, love, and peace that you desire. Your future begins with the choices you make today.
I hope these practices help you. Please let me know in the comments and be sure to subscribe to receive ongoing support from our channel.
Teresa Salhi
This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive a commission from purchases made through links. I will only recommend products I have used.
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