This week, I’m tackling a topic we’ve all experienced: getting in our own way. Why now? Because this week, it feels like that’s exactly what’s happening to me.
How Do We Get in Our Way?
Ironically, we often do it to ourselves. Back in 2017, I wrote about it trying to balance everything, and here we are tackling the topic again today!
Earlier this morning, I got a text from a fellow board member about getting together to kickstart a project. She’s right, we need to meet.
But her text landed right as I received another message from a mom about the school pick-up schedule.
At the same time, my TeamSnap app buzzed with updates about a recent incident at my son’s football game that needs addressing.
I’ve got jury duty on Friday.
Plus, I need to wrap up several client forms by next week to make the billing cycle.
Sometimes, it feels like we’re constantly getting in our own way—stacking task after task, trying to keep every ball in the air without pausing to reassess.
Did I mention the kids have a half-day tomorrow? Because in our town, we trick-or-treat the night before Halloween, so the schools give us extra time with our excited little ghouls before the fun begins.
Oh, and in the midst of all that? I’m also coordinating end-of-year gifts and organizing a pizza party for Friday.
Remembering You’re Not Alone
That phrase, “you never know what someone else is going through,” really hit home today as I dealt with everything landing on my plate. As I calmly tried to answer texts, hop on work calls, and maintain my sanity, I realized: I could easily lose it right now.
Instead, I took a deep breath, went for a walk, and tackled each task one by one, trying to respond thoughtfully and keep things moving forward.
They say, “If you want something done, ask a busy person.” Now I get it. Because I’m juggling so much, I’ve become pretty good at tackling things methodically. But by saying yes to so many things, I’m also getting in my own way when it comes to the tasks I need to prioritize, like writing this blog post.
Sometimes, the biggest obstacle isn’t the workload itself but getting in our own way by overcommitting and losing focus on what truly matters.
STOP Getting In Your Own Way
Here are some strategies I use to try to get out of my own way:
- Be more selective about what I say yes to. (I’m really working on this one.)
- Pause before responding. Think about what’s being asked, determine my next steps, and then move on to the next task.
- Recognize that others might be having days like mine. Be mindful of the demands they’re facing.
- Take time for myself. Resetting helps keep stress at bay and reminds me that this, too, shall pass.
Are you an entrepreneur who’s getting in your own way? I found some effective ways to deal with this self-sabotage, but I know I could benefit from what other entrepreneurs like me do as well.
What strategies do you use to stay grounded, keep things moving forward and get out of your way?
Please, share your thoughts! We all want to know 🙂
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do we keep getting in our own way despite knowing better?
Often, getting in our own way is a result of good intentions gone unchecked. We want to help, say yes, show up—and suddenly we’re spread too thin. As shared in the blog, trying to balance meetings, parenting duties, and personal obligations can spiral into unproductive chaos.
What are some strategies to stop getting in our own way?
To stop getting in our own way, consider setting clearer boundaries, pausing before committing, and taking time to reset. Strategies like mindful breathing, task prioritization, and recognizing others’ challenges (like we often overlook) can help create space and focus.
Can getting in our own way affect our mental health?
Absolutely. Constantly getting in our own way creates stress, burnout, and guilt. In the blog, the author shares how even a simple walk helped shift perspective and regain calm, reminding us that slowing down is sometimes the most productive thing we can do.
Are there strategies to avoid getting in our own way as entrepreneurs?
Yes! Entrepreneurs can benefit from setting clear priorities, learning to say no, scheduling breaks, and focusing on methodical task management to avoid the trap of getting in their own way.
Is it normal to get in our own way sometimes?
Yes, it’s completely normal. Everyone experiences moments of self-sabotage or overwhelm. The key is to recognize it early and use strategies to get back on track.
