Self-sabotage is a killer!

We can all be guilty of this from time to time. How do we avoid it? How do we prevent it?

First, let’s identify it. Self-sabotage is when we actively or passively take steps to prevent ourselves from reaching our goals. This behavior can affect nearly every aspect of life be it a relationship, a career goal, or a personal goal such as weight loss. Behavior is said to be self-sabotaging when it creates problems in daily life and interferes with long-standing goals. The most common self-sabotaging behaviors include procrastination, self-medication with drugs or alcohol, comfort eating, and forms of self-injury such as cutting.

Self-sabotage can be subtle. You may not even be aware of it. There may be a whole host of reasons for this behavior. Some individuals spend much of their lives struggling with powerful cravings for food, drink, gambling, or other temptations that come at a painful cost to their health or relationships. But the forces that lead to self-sabotage can also be more subtle, such as an accumulation of dysfunctional and distorted beliefs that lead people to underestimate their capabilities, suppress their feelings, or lash out at those around them.

Ask yourself if your behaviors align with your long-term goals. People can stand in their own way for countless different reasons. Common types of self-sabotage involve procrastination, perfectionism, relationships, work, finances, time, and change. Self-effacing behavior can emerge when people have trouble believing in their own abilities.

Choose which pattern most hinders your success, such as procrastination, low self-esteem, or poor financial choices. Identify the triggers for that behavior and make a plan for actions to take instead. For example, if negativity is a problem at work, plan to make one positive comment each day. Embrace improvements, rather than elimination, to make incremental progress toward your goal.

If you need help with these behaviors don’t be afraid to ask. Sometimes an outside perspective can help bring clarity. Don’t let self-sabotage kill your dreams! Always remember you are not alone. You matter here!