How many times have you felt overworked, overwhelmed and unsuccessful? For many of us this happens often. We have so much to do and there’s so much left undone. But what if… we were part of the problem? We know that our thoughts are powerful, but if they’re sabotaging you, then they need to change.

In her article for SmartBrief, Amber Johnson write about , “The 10 mental traps that sabotage your success.” After working with business leaders she discovered how we get in our own way, and sabotage our success. She writes, “We’re seeing obstacles when an overpass has already been created. Often, it’s our thinking that is actively creating the obstacles.” Her ten traps (and my suggestions) are:

1. Avoidance – The talk with the teacher who keeps “forgetting” to show when their class is scheduled is not going to be easy, so you put it off. It keeps happening, making you more frustrated. Planning the PD for teachers you promised your principal will take lot of work. You put it off, and as the date approaches your stress level increases. These become missed opportunities and bigger problems. Do the hard one first.
2.  Making everything about us – Johnson refers to taking “other people’s moods, decisions or feedback personally when it often has nothing to do with us at all.” Just because teachers are having a gripe session, doesn’t mean they are complaining about you and/or the library specifically.
3. Perfectionism paralysis – Between Avoidance and Making Everything About You, this is an easy trap to fall into. Johnson recommends asking yourself: “What am I not starting because I’m waiting for the perfect moment? What do I keep tweaking instead of seeking feedback?” The good plan you do today beats the perfect plan you’ll never fine.
4. Catastrophic thinking – A never ending loop of thinking of all the possible problems and ways things can go wrong can stop us as much as perfectionism. We are so afraid of what might happen, we do nothing. Instead, try to end the loop by thinking of a positive possible result and the importance of getting there.
5. Comparison trap – Are you measuring yourself based on what another librarian is doing? Or what your predecessor did? How about the perfect video you saw online. This is another thought process that will keep you from seeing what you’re doing well. Gauge your success by your learning and growth, not by looking at others.  Besides, you are probably doing somethings better than that other librarian.
6. All-or-nothing mindset – This one is pulls in parts of  #3 and #4, it results in #1. If we can’t do it completely, we don’t do it all. Johnson suggests looking at what can happen no matter what. She suggests you ask, “What partial solutions would still be beneficial? What’s worth trying because we’ll learn along the way?”
7. Ruminating on past mistakes –You made a bad mistake in the past. It was embarrassing. But you learned from it. Remember “FAIL” can stand for First Attempt in Learning.” Don’t let it keep you for trying it again or trying new things.
8. Assuming we know what others think – The body language you think is about you could be about something else entirely. (See #2). Your hesitancy in talking or working with this person adds to your stress, self-sabotaging thoughts, and keeps you from being the leader you need to be,
9. Staying in our comfort zone – This is one I talk about often. If you stay in your comfort zone you aren’t growing. And if you aren’t growing, you are dying. You and your program must be seen as a dynamic force that is integral to your school community’s needs and wants.
10. “The way we’ve always done it” thinking– Back to #9. Yes, it’s easier to go with the tried and true. If our industry had done that, we would still have card catalogs and use only Dewey for cataloging. We need to lead the way. Keep up with what’s happening in our field – and what is happening in teachers’ and administrators’ fields. Know what the kids are interested in and you’ll find new ways to grow and lead.

Being a school librarian can and often is exhausting. But its also exhilarating. We touch so many lives over the years. When we look at where our thoughts stop us —even lie to us—we can push past the self-sabotage and be the Leader they need.