How We Sabotage Ourselves

Have you ever looked at your dreams, your goals, or even just the calling God has placed on your life and felt stuck, unsure of how to move forward? You may feel as though you’ve made progress, but something always seems to hold you back, keeping you from reaching that next step or achieving what’s in your heart. I’ve been there myself, experiencing all of the frustrations of inactivity. I’ve spent countless hours wondering why I wasn’t completing what I was meant to do, not knowing what I was meant to do,   even though the desire was burning inside of me. Over time, I realized something simple yet profound: I was sabotaging my own progress. It wasn’t a lack of desire, talent, or even time—it was a series of habits and thought patterns that kept me from moving forward.

When we fail to act on the things we know we should be doing—whether it’s pursuing a calling, a dream, or even just personal goals—we often wonder why nothing ever gets done. I’ve identified four common ways in which we unintentionally sabotage ourselves and then wonder why we never finish anything. I’ve fallen into these traps myself, and it’s not until I’ve taken a step back that I’ve been able to pinpoint these behaviors. If you’re reading this and feeling like you’re stuck, I hope this helps you break free from the inactivity cycle that’s holding you back.

1. Making Excuses Instead of Stepping Out in Faith

One of the most insidious ways we sabotage ourselves is by making excuses for not taking action. I know I’ve done this more times than I can count: I tell myself I don’t have enough money, I don’t have enough resources, or I just don’t have enough time to pursue what God has called me to do. It’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that the “perfect conditions” need to exist before we take action.

However, this is where we get it wrong. God doesn’t wait for us to have everything we think we need before He calls us into action. In fact, if we only moved when everything was aligned in our favor, we would never move at all. God’s call often comes in the form of a step of faith—one that requires us to trust Him even when it doesn’t make sense. We may not have the money to start something, but we’re not supposed to be the source of provision; God is. He will provide what’s necessary to accomplish what He has placed on our hearts.

If we keep waiting for everything to be “just right,” we might never get started. Instead, God calls us to act in faith and trust that He will equip us along the way. If He’s placed a desire in your heart, He will also give you the resources, the time, and the strength you need to move forward. The problem most of us have is not the lack of resources—it’s the lack of seeking God and being obedient to His calling. If we aren’t intentional about seeking Him first, we won’t even know what He’s asking us to do in the first place.

So, rather than making excuses, we need to take that step of faith. Even if it’s just a small action, trust that God will meet you where you are and equip you with what you need. Stop waiting for the “perfect moment” and start with what you have.

2. Choosing Inactivity Because You Don’t Know Where to Start

Another way we sabotage ourselves is by choosing inactivity because we feel unsure about where to start. I’ve definitely found myself paralyzed by indecision—unsure of how to take that first step toward something I feel called to do. With so many resources available to us in this digital age, it seems silly to be stuck in a place of “not knowing where to start.” If you want to learn something, there’s a how-to video or an article for it somewhere. But we still convince ourselves that we can’t move forward because we don’t have a clear plan.

The truth is, if you don’t know where to start, the best place to begin is with God. Too often, we wait for a blueprint or a roadmap before taking action, when in reality, we need to lean into God’s guidance. If you don’t know where to begin, start in prayer. Start by consistently seeking God and asking Him what He wants you to do. The Bible promises that when we seek Him, we will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13). Prayer and Bible reading are our proverbial “telephone” to God, yet so many of us fail to use it. If you’re not hearing from God, perhaps the issue isn’t that He’s not speaking—it could be that you aren’t making time to listen.

One of the best ways to overcome paralysis by analysis is to stop waiting for all the answers and begin moving in faith. The first step might not be perfect, but it will be enough. God will guide you as you take action, and He will open doors as you move forward. If you feel unsure about where to start, start by seeking God and trust that He will make your path clear as you step out in faith.

3. Trying to Do Too Many Things and Becoming Overwhelmed

Many of us fall into the trap of believing that productivity is synonymous with multitasking. We think that if we focus on multiple things at once, we’ll accomplish more. The reality, however, is that trying to do too many things at once often leads to overwhelm, burnout, and, ultimately, inaction. I’ve experienced this firsthand. I’ve tried to juggle multiple projects at the same time, thinking that by focusing on everything, I would somehow be productive. But instead, I found myself doing nothing at all.

When we take on too many things at once, it’s easy to lose focus and feel paralyzed by the sheer volume of tasks ahead of us. The more we try to manage, the more scattered we become, and we end up accomplishing very little. This is where the “focus on one thing” principle becomes crucial. It’s better to dedicate yourself to one task or goal at a time, doing it well and completing it before moving on to the next thing.

Sometimes, the key to success is in saying “no” to distractions and focusing on what matters most. God doesn’t call us to be spread thin. He calls us to be faithful in the areas He’s leading us toward. If we can learn to focus and take one step at a time, we’ll find that we’re much more effective in completing what we’ve set out to do.

4. Getting Distracted by Side Missions

Finally, we often sabotage ourselves by getting distracted with side projects or missions that aren’t aligned with our main goal. This is especially true in the digital age. For example, if you’re trying to build a YouTube channel, it might be tempting to start focusing on growing your Instagram, Twitter, or other platforms at the same time. While it’s important to build your brand, trying to manage multiple social media accounts or projects can quickly derail your focus.

When we divide our attention between too many side missions, we end up accomplishing very little in the grand scheme of things. It’s essential to learn how to prioritize what’s most important, even if that means saying no to seemingly good opportunities that don’t align with your main goal.

If you feel like you’re spinning your wheels, ask yourself: Is this side project helping me move closer to my primary calling? If not, it may be time to refocus and pour your energy into what truly matters. Focusing on one thing first, before branching out to other areas, will help you make steady progress without getting overwhelmed by distractions.

You're Not Lazy

Inactivity and self-sabotage are not a matter of laziness or lack of desire; they are often a result of the habits we develop when we let fear, doubt, and distractions take over. By recognizing these four ways we sabotage ourselves—making excuses, not knowing where to start, overloading ourselves, and getting distracted by side projects—we can begin to take practical steps toward overcoming them.

It all starts with seeking God first, taking action even when it’s messy, focusing on one thing at a time, and eliminating distractions. It’s time to stop wondering why we’re not completing our goals and start taking intentional steps toward the things God has called us to do. Trust that as you move in faith, He will provide the resources, guidance, and strength to see it through.