July 16, 2023

Do You Have a Toxic Relationship With Yourself? 7 Destructive Thoughts Destroying Your Success

7 Toxic Thoughts Destroying Your Success

Do self-inflicted fear tactics hold you back from living your best life? It’s possible you have a toxic relationship with yourself. Learn 7 toxic thoughts you need to stop now, from Lolly Daskal, executive coach from, “Lead from Within”.

A telling toxic emotion I think needs more insight is “embarrassment”, which is defined as “a feeling of self-consciousness, shame or uneasiness”. For so many of us, it’s an emotion that guides many of our decisions – to our detriment.

Some people avoid the possibility of embarrassment like it’s the stomach flu, choosing to live life well within their comfort zone. They are more apt to avoid unfamiliar social gatherings and less likely to learn new skills (Mojo!) or speak their mind.

For others, the risk of feeling awkward or embarrassed is an acquired taste. They accept uncomfortable moments as unfortunate, but necessary, side effects of progress, self-acceptance, adventure, and success.

As someone who has worked hard to overcome feelings of self-doubt and toxic thoughts, I found this list excerpt of toxic behaviors very helpful. It’s written by Lolly Daskal, an executive coach from, “Lead From Within”.

1. Worrying whether people like you or not. If you are constantly afraid to move forward because of what others think, that fear will keep you small. Stay true to yourself, be genuine, and do your best.

2. Anxious about feeling inadequate and incompetent.
Don’t allow fears of being inadequate keep you from what you are meant to do and be.
“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.’ You must do the thing you think you cannot do.”
― Eleanor Roosevelt…

3. Concerned about being perfect.
Worrying about being imperfect is a waste of time. Perfection doesn’t exist. Instead, think of life as an evolution, where making mistakes is a part of growing and becoming a better version of ourselves. Let it go and move on.

4. Fearful of mistakes and failure.
The one who falls and gets up is stronger than the one who never tried. You have the power to shape your future, and you control the direction of your thoughts. In order to move forward in any challenge, mistakes and missteps are a part of the process. Change the way your brain embraces mistakes. Instead of failure, see it as growth.

5. Distressed about lacking confidence.
Everyone feels a lack of confidence at times–it’s just that some are better at hiding it than others. Concentrate on the skills and abilities you have and not those you lack, and continuously push yourself forward.

6. Apprehensive about other people’s opinions.
Never allow yourself to be defined by someone else’s opinion. Be open to constructive criticism and ignore negativity. At the end of the day, the best person you can rely on is yourself.

7. Shameful of past failures (Feeling lousy about yourself) Experiencing failure is indicative of you becoming the best version of yourself. It’s a prerequisite for great success and a full well-lived life. Want to increase the speed of success in life? Double your “failure” quotient.

The greatest failure in life?

The regret that comes with not attempting to live your best, most authentic life.