I’d been trapped in a cycle of self sabotage, procrastinating on my dreams because I was terrified of failing. If you’ve ever felt stuck by fear, you’re not alone. In this post, I’ll share my personal story of how fear driven procrastination held me back and the steps I’m taking to overcome it, hoping to inspire you to pursue your own goals.
My Trap of Self Sabotage and Procrastination
Self sabotage for me meant procrastination, where my fear of making mistakes or being rejected stopped me from chasing what I truly wanted. I dreamed of returning to New Zealand to be with my daughters, but fear of “getting it wrong” paralyzed me. I was haunted by past mistakes, like a messy visa application, and it kept me from taking action.
Why Did I Procrastinate?
- Fear of Failure: I worried about making mistakes or being rejected.
- Perfectionism: I waited for the “perfect” moment or outcome.
- Past Mistakes: Doubts from previous failures lingered, clouding my decisions.
These fears locked me in a cycle where doing nothing ensured failure. But I I realized, “If I don’t try, it’s always going to be a no.”
My Wake Up Call: Facing the Truth
I’d spent nearly 11 weeks in Fiji, doing “next to nothing” about finding a job in New Zealand, even though photos of my kids on my apartment wall reminded me daily of my goal. When someone pointed out that my actions didn’t match my words, it hurt deeply. It was heartbreaking to admit I was letting fear of rejection and past mistakes keep me from my daughters. That moment of truth was painful, but it lit a fire in me to change.
Taking Action: My Steps to Overcome Procrastination
Here’s how I’m breaking free from self sabotage and working toward my goal of moving back to New Zealand:
- Acknowledge My Fears: I named what held me back, fear of rejection, failure, and repeating past mistakes. Calling it out made it less powerful.
- Set Clear Intentions: I got specific: “I want to move to New Zealand to be with my family by securing a job and getting a work visa.”
- Commit to Daily Action: I now dedicate time six days a week to job hunting and preparing applications, even if it’s just a small step.
- Accept Imperfection: I’ve learned that mistakes are part of the process. As I told myself, “Nothing is going to happen if I do nothing.”
- Build Momentum: I started with one job application, then moved to the next. Each step fuels my progress.
- Stay Determined: I remind myself daily why this matters, being with my kids keeps me motivated.
The Power of Determination
That painful wake up call changed everything. I started sending job applications with focus, determined to keep applying until I succeed. I realized, “If I want it as bad as I say I do, I’ve got to do the work.” After just two days, I had an application good to go, and I was already working on the next.
This shift from procrastination to action felt empowering, even if the fear hadn’t fully vanished.
Key Takeaways for Your Journey
- Face Your Fears: Don’t let fear of failure stop you from trying.
- Act Consistently: Small, daily actions build momentum toward your goals.
- Align Actions with Goals: Make sure what you say you want matches what you’re working on.
- Embrace the Process: Rejection or setbacks aren’t the end, they’re part of the journey.
Conclusion: Just Do It
If you’re caught in self sabotage like I was, let my story push you forward. My resolve to stop procrastinating and pursue my dream of reuniting with my daughters in New Zealand proves that action, even when I’m scared, is the only way forward.
As I keep telling myself, “If you don’t give it a go, the answer is always a no.”
So, what’s holding you back? Name your goal, face your fears, and start doing the work today. Your dreams are worth it.
Ready to break free from procrastination? Share your goals in the comments or take that first step now!
