How To Break The Cycle of Self Sabotage
Have you ever set a goal for yourself, only to find yourself sabotaging your own success? Maybe you procrastinated on a project until the last minute, or you talked yourself out of going on a job interview. You're not alone, Sis. Self-sabotage is a common problem that can hold us back from achieving our goals.
What is self-sabotage?
By definition, Self-sabotage is “" The act of unconsciously undermining your own success.” It can take many forms, such as procrastination, perfectionism, negative self-talk, and fear of success.
Why do we self-sabotage?
Some of the most common reasons include:
Fear of failure. We may be afraid of failing, so we sabotage our own success in order to avoid the pain of disappointment.
Low self-esteem. We may have low self-esteem, so we don't believe that we deserve to succeed. As a result, we may sabotage our own success in order to protect ourselves from disappointment.
Unconscious patterns. We may have learned to self-sabotage from our parents or other role models. If we grew up in a household where success was not valued, or where failure was punished, we may have learned to sabotage our own success as a way of coping with fear or anxiety.
How to recognize self-sabotage
If you're wondering if you're self-sabotaging, here are some signs to look for:
You set goals for yourself, but you never seem to achieve them.
You procrastinate on important tasks.
You make excuses for why you can't do something.
You talk yourself out of opportunities.
You feel anxious or overwhelmed when you think about achieving your goals.
How to combat self-sabotage
If you're self-sabotaging, there are things you can do to break the cycle. Here are a few tips:
Identify your triggers. What are the things that trigger your self-sabotaging behavior? Once you know your triggers, you can start to develop strategies for coping with them.
Challenge your negative thoughts. When you start to think negative thoughts about yourself or your ability to succeed, challenge those thoughts. Ask yourself if they're really true, and remind yourself of your strengths and accomplishments.
Set realistic goals. Don't set yourself up for failure by setting unrealistic goals. Start with small, achievable goals, and gradually work your way up to bigger goals.
Take care of yourself. When you're taking care of yourself, you're better able to cope with stress and anxiety. Make sure you're getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and exercising regularly.
Seek professional help. If you're struggling to overcome self-sabotage on your own, consider seeking professional help. A therapist can help you identify the root of your self-sabotaging behavior and develop strategies for coping with it.
Self-sabotage is a common problem, but it's one that you can overcome, Sis. By following the tips above, you can quickly recognize self-sabotage and break the cycle.
Have you ever self-sabotaged, Sis?
