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Career sabotage is an all-too-common phenomenon where individuals undermine their own success, creating barriers to achieving their professional goals. To understand this puzzling behaviour, we can draw on the philosophical insights of both Friedrich Nietzsche and Søren Kierkegaard. Nietzsche’s concept of the “abyss” and Kierkegaard’s idea of the “leap of faith” provide a nuanced framework for exploring the psychological roots of self-sabotage and how individuals might overcome it.

Nietzsche’s Abyss: The Fear That Paralyses

Friedrich Nietzsche’s idea of the abyss is famously encapsulated in his quote, “He who fights with monsters should be careful lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.” The abyss symbolises the deep existential fears and uncertainties that arise when individuals confront the unknown – whether it be their own potential, the fear of failure, or the overwhelming pressures of success.

When individuals confront the abyss in their careers, they often encounter fears that are too daunting to face directly. The anxiety associated with the abyss – whether it’s fear of inadequacy, fear of judgement, or fear of change—can lead to self-sabotaging behaviours as a way to avoid the discomfort that comes with looking too deeply into these fears.

Kierkegaard’s Leap of Faith: The Courage to Act Despite Fear

Søren Kierkegaard, often considered the father of existentialism, introduced the concept of the “leap of faith.” For Kierkegaard, the leap of faith represents the act of making a decisive choice despite uncertainty and fear. It’s about embracing the unknown and the possibility of failure, and choosing to act anyway, driven by a commitment to a higher purpose or goal.

In the context of career sabotage, Kierkegaard’s leap of faith is particularly relevant. While Nietzsche’s abyss represents the paralysing fear that can lead to self-sabotage, Kierkegaard’s leap of faith offers a pathway to overcoming this fear. It is the act of moving forward, even when the outcome is uncertain and the fears are intense.


The Psychology of Self-Sabotage: Fear vs. Faith

Self-sabotage is often a manifestation of the tension between these two philosophical ideas – the paralysing fear of the abyss and the liberating yet terrifying act of the leap of faith. Here’s how this dynamic plays out in common self-sabotaging behaviours:

Procrastination: Avoiding the Abyss

➡️ Procrastination is one of the most common forms of self-sabotage. It often arises from the fear of confronting challenging tasks that might reveal one’s limitations or lead to failure. In this sense, procrastination is a way of avoiding the abyss. However, by continuously putting off tasks, individuals not only delay their progress but also reinforce their fears, making the abyss seem even more daunting. 

Perfectionism: The Illusion of Control 

➡️ Perfectionism can be seen as an attempt to control the abyss, to create a situation where the risk of failure is minimised. However, this desire for control often backfires, leading to inaction or burnout. The fear of making mistakes or not meeting impossibly high standards can prevent individuals from taking necessary steps in their careers. Kierkegaard’s leap of faith challenges this by suggesting that action, even imperfect action, is more valuable than paralysis by perfectionism. 

Impostor Syndrome: Doubting the Leap 

➡️ Impostor syndrome, where individuals feel like they are frauds despite their accomplishments, can lead to self-sabotage as well. Those who experience impostor syndrome may avoid taking on new opportunities or downplay their achievements, fearing that they will be “found out.” This is the abyss manifesting as a fear of exposure. Kierkegaard’s leap of faith, however, suggests that embracing these opportunities despite the fear is essential for growth. 

Overcoming Self-Sabotage: Embracing the Leap 

The key to overcoming self-sabotage lies in navigating the tension between Nietzsche’s abyss and Kierkegaard’s leap of faith. Here’s how individuals can apply these concepts to break free from self-sabotaging patterns, with coaching playing a pivotal role in this process: 

Acknowledge the Abyss 

➡️ The first step is to recognize and acknowledge the fears that are holding you back. This means facing the abyss head-on, identifying the specific anxieties—whether it’s fear of failure, fear of judgement, or fear of success – that are leading to self-sabotage. A coach can help you explore these fears in a safe and structured environment, providing clarity and support as you confront them. 

Take the Leap of Faith 

➡️ Once these fears are acknowledged, the next step is to act despite them. This is where Kierkegaard’s leap of faith becomes crucial. It involves making a conscious decision to move forward, even when the path is unclear and the outcome is uncertain. Coaching can be instrumental here, offering guidance and accountability as you take these brave steps, ensuring that you don’t retreat back into self-sabotaging habits. 

Build Resilience Through Small Leaps 

➡️ Overcoming self-sabotage doesn’t require one monumental leap. Instead, it can be a series of small, incremental steps that gradually build confidence and resilience. By consistently taking these small leaps, individuals can slowly diminish the power of the abyss and strengthen their ability to act despite fear. A coach can help you identify these small, manageable steps and celebrate each success along the way, reinforcing positive momentum and reducing the likelihood of regression. 

Final thoughts
Career sabotage is a complex interplay of existential fear and the challenge of action in the face of uncertainty. Nietzsche’s abyss represents the deep-seated fears that can lead to self-sabotage, while Kierkegaard’s leap of faith offers a path forward, encouraging individuals to act despite these fears. 

By understanding and applying these philosophical insights, and with the support of coaching, individuals can confront their fears, take decisive action, and ultimately break free from the cycle of self-sabotage, allowing for greater career success and personal fulfilment. 

Ian Burton – Decisive Leadership 

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