Within everyone is an energy that is prolific, and on the flip side, an energy that is destructive.

This concept is known in Chinese philosophy as yin and yang — the interplay of opposites, such as negative and positive energies. The idea is that when you can detect a negative energy, you can counteract it.

If you have found your life purpose or calling, your self-sabotage is most likely the opposite of whatever that calling is. For example, my purpose is to help others connect with themselves and others in a transformational way. My self-sabotage is to disconnect — or tell myself I'm not good enough.

Here are 4 common underlying beliefs that can sabotage your career:

1. "I'm Not Good Enough"

A belief that you're not deserving or capable enough — so you never go for what you really want, whether that's interviewing for a promotion or asking for a raise. It can also show up as judging others harshly, as a way of propping up a fragile sense of confidence.

2. "I Can't Do This"

A belief that you cannot try something new because of fear of the outcome — positive or negative. You may avoid risks or stick only to tasks and activities you've already done before, even if you don't enjoy them. It's the story you've told yourself that keeps you in a smaller version of your career.

3. "I'm Alone in This"

A belief that you're the only one who has ever been in your shoes — that no one understands or that you're not part of a team. This often results in isolation and a lack of connection with colleagues or clients, which compounds the feeling of being stuck.

4. "Something Bad Is Going to Happen"

This is the "what if" mindset, where the brain rehearses every negative outcome. It takes enormous energy to carry constant worry — and it tends to prevent you from taking the risks that career growth requires.

How to Overcome These Beliefs

Everyone has negative beliefs, and they probably won't disappear entirely. They'll keep showing up in different forms at different times. The goal isn't to eliminate them — it's to stop letting them run the show.

Step 1: Face it

Running away from the feeling only makes it stronger. Take time to sit with it — through meditation, walking, hiking, or journaling. Give yourself permission to be with the discomfort. Facing it makes it smaller. Even in an inopportune moment, a quiet internal "I'll come back to you" helps remove its power.

Step 2: Focus on the opposite

When you notice a negative belief surfacing, consciously redirect toward its opposite. Say an affirmation, think of concrete evidence that contradicts the belief, or recall a time when things went well. Over time this rewires the pattern.

Step 3: Get support

Work with a therapist, coach, or consultant. Take a yoga or meditation class. Talk to a trusted friend. You don't have to navigate this alone — and getting outside perspective is often the fastest path through.

Step 4: Don't beat yourself up

We are human beings, and we all self-sabotage. Be gentle with yourself. If you can look at it as an opportunity to learn more about who you are and how you work, the moments of self-sabotage become useful data rather than evidence of failure.