How a common habit can undermine your motivation and success—plus 3 ways to overcome it

In the fast-paced world of professional growth, one often overlooked habit can significantly hinder your success: self-handicapping bias. According to workplace performance coach Henna Pryor, this psychological tendency to under-prepare or undersell oneself during new opportunities can "erode motivation" and sabotage your career. Understanding and addressing this habit is crucial for anyone aiming to achieve their full potential.

Self-handicapping bias is a psychological behavior where individuals create obstacles or excuses to avoid potential failure. This behavior is often driven by a fear of failure and can manifest in various ways, such as procrastination, lack of preparation, or downplaying one's abilities. "Even high-performing employees self-handicap," says Pryor, "and it's often driven by a fear of failure" .

The Impact of Self-Handicapping on Motivation

Self-handicapping can have a detrimental effect on motivation. When individuals get comfortable only doing tasks they are good at, they avoid new challenges, which can lead to stagnation. Over time, this comfort zone can become a trap, eroding motivation and limiting professional growth. As Pryor notes, "That anxiety also 'can erode motivation over time,' if we start to get comfortable just doing the things we're good at, rather than stretching to try, and fail at, new things".

Three Ways to Overcome Self-Handicapping

Educate Yourself About Self-Handicapping

The first step in overcoming self-handicapping is to educate yourself about the behavior. Recognize the different forms it can take and reflect on your past actions to identify patterns. Pryor advises, "Success leaves clues. Use that knowledge to reflect on your past wins or failures and identify patterns". This self-awareness is crucial for making positive changes.

Seek Feedback from Others

Sometimes, self-handicapping behaviors are more apparent to others than to ourselves. Seeking feedback from trusted friends, family, or colleagues can provide valuable insights. "You can also seek feedback from family and friends," Pryor suggests. "They've likely noticed self-sabotaging behaviors that you've missed". This external perspective can help you recognize and address these habits.

Challenge Yourself with New Opportunities

To break free from the cycle of self-handicapping, it's essential to step out of your comfort zone and embrace new challenges. This might involve taking on projects that stretch your abilities or setting ambitious goals. As Fred Devito famously said, "If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you". By pushing yourself to try new things, you can build resilience and boost your motivation.

Self-handicapping bias is a common habit that can undermine your motivation and success. However, by educating yourself about this behavior, seeking feedback from others, and challenging yourself with new opportunities, you can overcome this obstacle and unlock your full potential. Remember, personal and professional growth often lies just beyond the boundaries of your comfort zone.