Breaking Free from Self-Sabotage: Why We Block Ourselves from True Success

Success in health, business, and life isn’t about quick fixes or magic pills—it’s about consistent action, mindset shifts, and embracing strategies that actually work. Yet, time and time again, we find ourselves stuck in the same patterns, sabotaging our progress. Why? Because we resist the very things that are proven to work.

The Mindset Trap: Why We Stay Stuck

One of the biggest reasons people fail to achieve their goals—whether in fitness, business, or personal growth—is the desire for instant gratification. We want results now, and when something requires real effort, patience, and consistency, we convince ourselves there must be an easier way. The truth? There isn’t.

According to psychologist Carol Dweck’s research on The Growth Mindset, those who embrace challenges and persist through setbacks are far more likely to succeed than those who seek shortcuts (Dweck, 2006). Unfortunately, our culture promotes “hacks” and “quick-fix solutions” that never deliver lasting results. This mentality keeps us in a cycle of starting, failing, and restarting—never truly making progress.

Nutrition: The Truth About What Really Works

As someone with multiple nutrition certifications through NASM, I’ve studied the science of long-term success in health and fitness. And guess what? Every method that truly works comes down to one simple practice: tracking what you eat.

  • Not cutting out entire food groups.

  • Not following extreme, unsustainable diets.

  • Not chasing the latest fad.

The reality is, your body thrives on balance. Yet, one of the biggest misconceptions in nutrition is that carbs are the enemy. Many people believe cutting carbs entirely will lead to better weight loss, but in reality, removing an essential macronutrient can have serious consequences:

  • Energy Crashes: Carbohydrates are the body's primary energy source. Cutting them leads to fatigue and brain fog (Burke et al., 2017).

  • Muscle Loss: Without carbs, your body may break down muscle tissue for energy, slowing your metabolism (NASM, 2023).

  • Hormonal Imbalances: Women, in particular, can experience disrupted menstrual cycles and thyroid function when cutting carbs too drastically (Loucks, 2006).

Instead of eliminating an entire macronutrient, focus on tracking your intake and learning what works for your body. It’s not about restriction—it’s about awareness and sustainability.

Effort Is the Missing Ingredient

The truth is, we often block ourselves from success because we don’t want to put in the work. We know what to do—we just don’t do it. In fitness, tracking food intake has been proven to be one of the most effective methods for weight management and long-term success (Burke et al., 2011). Yet, many people resist it because it requires effort.

The same principle applies to business and personal growth. You can read all the books, attend all the seminars, and listen to all the podcasts—but if you don’t take action, nothing changes.

Breaking the Cycle: How to Get Unstuck

If you truly want to stop blocking yourself from success, it’s time to shift your mindset and commit to proven strategies:

  1. Track Your Habits: Whether it’s food intake, workouts, business activities, or daily mindset work—track what you do so you can measure progress.

  2. Think Bigger: Stop looking for temporary fixes. Commit to long-term strategies that set you up for lasting success.

  3. Take Ownership: No one else can do the work for you. If you’re stuck, it’s because you haven’t committed to what works.

  4. Surround Yourself with Support: Success isn’t meant to be a solo journey. Find a coach, mentor, or community that pushes you to be your best.

Are You Ready to Get Unstuck?

If you’re tired of repeating the same cycles and are finally ready to commit to lasting success, let’s talk. I’ve helped countless individuals break through their barriers and create a sustainable plan for health, business, and personal growth.

Schedule a strategy call with me today and let’s map out a plan to get you unstuck so you can be unstoppable! ➡️ https://calendly.com/ladyjempowers/strategycall

References

  • Burke, L. M., Ross, M. L., Garvican-Lewis, L. A., et al. (2017). Low carbohydrate, high fat diet impairs exercise economy and negates performance adaptation in elite race walkers. Journal of Physiology, 595(9), 2785–2807.

  • Burke, L. M., Wang, X., & Rossi, A. (2011). Tracking macronutrient intake for long-term weight management. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 21(5), 406–416.

  • Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Random House.

  • Loucks, A. B. (2006). The underappreciated role of low energy availability in impairing reproductive function in women. Human Reproduction Update, 12(5), 497–510.

  • National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). (2023). Certified Nutrition Coach (CNC) Course Material. NASM Press.

Jodi "Lady J" Watkins

My name is Jodi Watkins. I am flawed. I am perfectly imperfect. I have made tons of mistakes. I can’t take any of my past back. I can’t go back in time. However, what I can do now is operate in my gifts, share truths, create awareness, and support/encourage those around me who may feel alone. We all have a story. Opening up is a process. It’s a journey. It comes from creating a trusting relationship. It doesn’t happen overnight. I am a true testimony that when we allow the right people in our lives, we are able to break barriers we may not even know existed. I used writing as a way to heal and I now use this gift to help others in a way I never imagined possible. My desire is to collaborate with like-minded individuals in order to create a better world for the next generation. Please share this website with anyone you know who may be interested in linking up. Together, we can always do more!

https://linktr.ee/ladyjempowers
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