The Battle with Self-Sabotage
Today, we’re talking about self-sabotage—something I struggled with big time in the first four years of my acting career. It wasn’t until I learned real tools and strategies to combat it that I finally started to see success.
I want to share my top five self-sabotaging behaviors because, honestly, you might be experiencing them too. If you recognize yourself in these patterns, just know that you’re not alone—and more importantly, you can break free from them.
1. Procrastination
This was my biggest hurdle. I’d get an audition, and then… I’d wait.
Sometimes, I’d procrastinate until the last minute, which meant I sent in a rushed, low-quality audition tape. Other times, I’d put it off completely until the deadline passed. Then came the shame spiral:
“I should have done that audition. Why didn’t I do that audition? Ugh, I’m the worst. I suck. I keep doing this.”
Sound familiar? Procrastination is often a fear response. It’s easier to avoid something than to face the possibility of rejection, judgment, or even success.
2. Overcommitting
Another way I sabotaged myself was by filling my schedule with everything but acting.
I’d take on extra jobs, say yes to every plan, and overload myself with responsibilities that weren’t even industry-related. This left me exhausted, with little time or energy to submit auditions or do the work that actually mattered.
I called these “distractions,” but really, they were avoidance mechanisms. It was easier to stay busy with other things than to put myself out there and risk failure.
3. Constant Comparison
Comparison is a dangerous game—especially in this industry. I’d look at my peers, at their bookings, their success, their confidence, and I’d think:
“Why am I not there yet?”
But here’s the truth: we all have different experiences, different paths, and different timelines. Success isn’t linear, and it certainly isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey. The key to breaking free from comparison? Defining your own success. Once I started focusing on my own growth, rather than measuring myself against others, everything changed.
4. Overthinking
I still struggle with this one sometimes. Overthinking is when you replay scenarios and decisions over and over in your head, leading to analysis paralysis.
For me, this meant constantly second-guessing my auditions, my submissions—basically, every move I made. I’d tweak a self-tape a hundred times, worry about every detail, and end up stuck in my own head instead of just taking action.
The shift happened when I learned to recognize the overthinking spiral before it took over. Now, I catch myself, reframe my thoughts, and remind myself: done is better than perfect. Progress happens in action, not in endless mental loops.
5. Fear of Success
This one might sound surprising, but fear of success is real.
At some point, I realized I wasn’t just afraid of failure—I was afraid of what success might bring. My mind would spiral into thoughts like:
“If I start booking non-stop, I’ll never have time for my family. I’ll be exhausted, overwhelmed, constantly traveling. What if I mess up in an interview? What if I say something dumb and the whole world drags me on social media?”
Fear of success can be just as paralyzing as fear of failure. But here’s the flip side:
What if success actually gives you more time?
What if it brings more freedom, joy, and opportunities?
If you struggle with fear of success, try flipping the script. Instead of What if everything goes wrong?, ask yourself What if everything goes right?
Breaking Free: The Stick It to Self-Sabotage Challenge
After years of struggling with these patterns, I built the Stick It to Self-Sabotage Challenge—a six-week journey designed to help actors and creatives break free from these limiting behaviors.
This challenge is based on the Alter Ego Method, a powerful technique used by athletes, CEOs, and performers to step into their most confident selves. It’s about creating a version of you that is fearless, proactive, and unstoppable—and then embodying that version until it becomes second nature.
If this resonates with you, I’d love to have you join.
A Special Note Just for You
Self-sabotage is sneaky. It disguises itself as procrastination, overcommitment, comparison, overthinking, and even fear of success. But here’s the thing: you have the power to change the narrative.
You are capable. You are worthy. You are enough—right now, exactly as you are.
So take the leap. Submit the audition. Say yes to yourself. Your journey is unfolding exactly as it’s meant to, and the best is yet to come.
If you found this helpful, please share it with a fellow actor who might need to hear this today. And don’t forget to subscribe for more tools, strategies, and encouragement to keep you thriving—on and off the screen.
Until next time, remember: your success is just as important as your well-being.
Ready to Take This Work Deeper?
If this blog post resonated with you and you want to dive deeper, check out my Stick It to Self-Sabotage Challenge—a six-week program designed to help you break free from creative self-sabotage, master your mindset, and take your career to the next level.
If you loved this blog and want more mindset tips, creative strategies, and real talk about thriving in the entertainment industry, be sure to check out my podcast, Your Journey to You! 🎙️
🎧 Tune in wherever you listen to podcasts and let’s keep growing together!
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💬 Share it with a fellow creative who could use a little inspiration
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