“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” – Benjamin Franklin
I was watching Daredevil: Born Again the other day, and I realized why I love shows like this so much. They go deep—really deep—into the characters, exploring their flaws, complexities, and contradictions. They remind us that as human beings; we are multi-faceted. Some days, we show up with compassion and kindness, and some days, we show up with rage and frustration. Some moments, we stand tall, and in others, we crumble.
In Season 1, Episode 2, Matt Murdock says something that hit me hard:
“The only way I can win is if I know every way I can lose.” That line stuck with me.
Because when it comes to pursuing a goal, the same principle applies. We need to identify all the ways we might sabotage ourselves, all the excuses, fears, and patterns that hold us back. Only then can we truly prepare to overcome them and produce a different result—one that leads to success.
So, let’s talk about a few ways we sabotage ourselves in advance—and how we can stop.
1. “It’s too hard, and I don’t have the energy.”
Truth bomb: Life is hard sometimes. Pursuing goals takes effort. But waiting for the perfect burst of motivation will leave you stuck in place. Instead of aiming for huge leaps, just do a little bit every day. Progress doesn’t have to be perfect—it just must move you forward.
2. “I’ll do it tomorrow.”
Ah, procrastination. We’ve all been there. The trick is to stop thinking about tomorrow and focus on what you can do right now. Even if it’s just a small step. It adds up.
3. “Other people are already doing it better.”
Yep, comparison is the thief of joy—and it’s also one of the sneakiest ways we hold ourselves back. But here’s the thing: there are 8 billion people on this planet. You don’t need everyone to resonate with you. You just need your people—the ones who will connect with your unique voice, vibe, and perspective.
4. “Let me ask for permission first.”
How many dreams have been crushed by the need for external validation? Asking your parents, partner, friends, or colleagues if your idea is “good” might seem harmless, but it often leads to second-guessing. Remember: It’s your idea. Trust yourself enough to implement it. And if it doesn’t work out? That’s okay—it will teach you something invaluable for your next step.
So today, I invite you to ask yourself: In what ways might this not work?
Not to discourage yourself—but to prepare. To create solutions. To ensure that this time, you rise above the self-sabotage and make it happen.
Because every time we face our fears head-on, we get one step closer to winning.
With all my heart,
Salima
