Are You Blocking Your Blessings? Here’s How to Stop Sabotaging Your Success
My great-grandmother always told us, “No one can take your blessings from you. You can give them away. But no one can take them from you.” Her words have always been a source of both security and accountability for me. They remind me that if I stay on track and do the work, all that life has to offer me—and all that I’m here to offer—will come to fruition.
But Sis, sometimes we block our own blessings. Here’s how to recognize the ways you might be sabotaging your success and how to turn it around.
You’re not learning from your mistakes
When you don’t learn from your mistakes, you’re bound to repeat them. Ignoring red flags, brushing off feedback, or refusing to take responsibility for what went wrong keeps you stuck. It looks like blaming others, avoiding hard conversations, or failing to follow through with corrective action. These patterns make it nearly impossible to move forward because you haven’t equipped yourself with the tools or lessons needed for the next level.
Start by reflecting on your missteps, owning your part, and actively applying those lessons to future situations. Make it a habit to pause and evaluate what went wrong after any setback. Ask yourself, “What can I do differently next time?” Then commit to trying it.
You hyper-focus on the negative
Focusing on the negative creates an energy that stops blessings in their tracks. You’re constantly replaying conversations in your head, complaining about what’s going wrong, or convincing yourself that nothing ever works out. That negativity not only drags you down but also repels opportunities.
Instead of dwelling on the bad, flip the script: celebrate small wins, write down things you’re grateful for, and redirect your focus to what you can control. Challenge yourself to spend more time brainstorming solutions than rehashing problems.
You get offended by negative customer feedback
Negative customer feedback isn’t a personal attack—it’s a tool for improvement. When you shut down or get defensive, you miss out on valuable insights that could make your business extraordinary. Maybe you find yourself rationalizing poor reviews or avoiding customer follow-up altogether.
Take feedback as a gift. Analyze it without judgment and use it to improve. Being proactive in addressing issues doesn’t just fix problems—it builds trust and loyalty with your customers. Create a system to follow up on feedback, even if it’s hard to hear.
You resist change and rapid improvement
Resisting change shows up as clinging to outdated methods or feeling overwhelmed by new challenges. It might look like procrastinating on implementing new tools, dismissing innovative ideas, or overanalyzing every step before taking action.
Lean into the discomfort of change and commit to learning as you go. Growth happens when you adapt. Make a plan to review and implement new strategies or tools regularly, even if they’re out of your comfort zone.
You’re not moving on leads and opportunities
Sometimes fear or perfectionism keeps you from saying “yes” when opportunity knocks. It looks like overthinking decisions, endlessly comparing yourself to others, or waiting for the “perfect” moment. That moment rarely comes, and in the meantime, you miss out on potential clients, partnerships, and growth.
Learn to act even when things aren’t perfectly aligned. Start with the information and resources you have, and trust that you’ll figure out the rest along the way. Success often comes to those who are willing to take risks.
You allow poor habits to dominate
Success is built on consistent, intentional actions that align with your goals. Poor habits look like spending too much time on low-value tasks, neglecting routines that keep you energized, or procrastinating on what matters most.
Audit your time and energy regularly. How many of your daily actions connect directly to your ultimate goals? Replace time-wasting habits with ones that build momentum, like focused work blocks, self-care routines, and networking.
Accountability Measures
Breaking blind spots requires regular check-ins and accountability. Start by finding a business bestie or coach who can give you honest feedback and call out patterns you may not see in yourself. Schedule quarterly reviews of your habits, feedback, and progress, and track your growth over time.
Remember, Sis, you’re not in this alone. With a support system and a willingness to reflect and adapt, your blessings are right within reach.