Management Tip of the Day: Stop Sabotaging Yourself

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   TIPS   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile OCTOBER 15, 2012 Stop Sabotaging Yourself When faced with a big challenge, it's tempting to anticipate the obstacles that might get in the way, and use them as an excuse not to move forward. But this type of self-handicapping will prevent you from reaching your potential. Here's how to stop it: Watch for the warning signs. These include holding back, generating lists of excuses, or excessively focusing on the potential obstacles. Articulate goals, not excuses. Use "what-ifs" and "if-onlys" to help generate ideas about how you might remove obstacles. For example, if you think you might fail because you lack a certain skill, find out how to acquire it. Manage your negative emotions. When faced with obstacles (and there are always some), you're likely to feel disappointment or anger. Be kind to yourself in working through these emotions and focus on what you can change. Today's Management Tip was adapted from "Don't Sabotage Yourself" by Susan David. Read the full post and join the discussion » Share Today's Tip: FEATURED PRODUCT Information Wants to Be Shared Ebook Now Available Does information want to be free? Information is much more complicated than that. What information really wants — what makes it more valuable, useful, and immediate, Joshua Gans argues — is to be shared. In this latest HBR single, Gans shows how sharing enhances most information's value. He also shows how the business models of traditional media companies, gatekeepers who have relied on scarcity and control, have collapsed in the face of new technologies. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS Money Isn't the Only Motivator for Top Talent Presentation Coming? Know These Things About Your Audience Break the Cycle of Responsiveness Imprecision Can Aid Decision-Making Become a More Valuable Employee Starting a Business? Skip the Plan Make Sure You're Solving the Right Problem Ask Your Critic to Join Your Team Improve Your Presentation in Real Time Know the Culture Before You Accept the Job All Previous Tips BEST SELLERS HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials HBR's 10 Must Reads Library Set Guide to Persuasive Presentations Guide to Better Business Writing Guide to Getting the Right Work Done Introducing Mobile ManageMentor Powered by the proven content of Harvard ManageMentor™ iTunes >> Android >> UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. OPT OUT If you do not wish to receive any email messages from Harvard Business Review, click here. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2012 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)