She Strengthens

Unlocking the Secret to Sustained Success

Have you ever wondered why some people’s careers seem to stall after achieving a major milestone? It’s a phenomenon that has been observed in various fields, including the film industry, where actors often experience a slump after winning an Academy Award. This paradox has been dubbed the “Oscar Curse.” But what drives this pattern of behavior?

The Upper-Limit Problem

According to bestselling author Gay Hendricks, this phenomenon can be attributed to the “upper-limit problem,” a self-imposed barrier that prevents us from fully enjoying our success. We tend to feel uncomfortable with prolonged periods of happiness and accomplishment, and subconsciously do things to sabotage our own progress.

Common Patterns of Self-Sabotage

This behavior manifests in different ways, such as:

• A successful entrepreneur selling their company and then getting a divorce
• A person falling in love and getting married, only to experience drama with family or friends
• A politician achieving a career milestone and then engaging in destructive behaviors

These patterns are not intentional, but rather a result of deep-seated fears and beliefs that hold us back from reaching our full potential.

Four Hidden Barriers to Success

Hendricks identifies four hidden barriers that prevent us from fully enjoying our success:

• Feeling Fundamentally Flawed: The belief that we don’t deserve to be rich, happy, or successful, leading us to play it safe and limit our potential.
• Disloyalty and Abandonment: The fear of leaving behind people from our past or failing to meet our parents’ expectations, causing us to hold ourselves back.
• Believing Success Brings a Bigger Burden: The feeling that our success is a burden upon others, dampening our enthusiasm and motivation.
• The Crime of Outshining: The fear of outshining others, leading us to downplay our achievements and hide our talents.

Breaking Free from Self-Sabotage

Recognizing these patterns and beliefs is the first step towards breaking free from self-sabotage. By acknowledging and releasing these harmful beliefs, we can increase our tolerance for happiness and success.

Taking Control of Your Life

Next time you feel the urge to sabotage your own success, ask yourself:

• How am I getting in my own way right now?
• How much love, success, and happiness am I willing to let myself experience?
• What harmful beliefs can I release in this moment?

By confronting these questions and releasing our self-imposed limitations, we can unlock a new energy and view opportunities with a fresh perspective. We can choose to transcend our upper limits and embark on an upward spiral of growth and success.