Stop Sabotaging Your True Self

Are you a secret self-sabotager? Or do you know full well that you are getting in the way of your own long-standing goals? What might seem like helpful behaviour could well be undermining your future happiness, so you need to learn how to stop self-sabotage in its tracks!

What is self-sabotage?

It is often described as any type of behaviour that prevents us from achieving a goal, or something we really want. At first it might seem like a silly sort of behaviour to engage in, but it is often fuelled by lack of confidence, insecurity or fear of failure.

Some of the most common ways people self-sabotage are:

• Procrastination
• Self medication (drinking alcohol or taking recreational drugs)
• Comfort eating
• Self harm

Even when people understand that certain behaviour is self-defeating, it can feel like a massive challenge to overcome it.

6 Steps to Beat Self-sabotage

1: Don’t dismiss yourself if you feel it – People often say it’s stupid but I feel…. Let that thought happen, let the words out. Expressing the truth can give you the power and confidence you need to overcome the negativity.

2: Breathe, keep both feet on the floor, and hold both ESR points* – Fear can provoke strong physical reactions, these simple steps will stop you staying in your emotional limbic brain and encourage you to think with your logical brain

3: Keep breathing – Many people underestimate how powerful calm, regular breathing can be in times of emotional stress.

4: Write down 3 things you would like to achieve – Like keeping a journal, writing down goals makes a positive affirmation a real possibility.

5: Identify the pattern of sabotage – Be truthful about what you do to get in the way of your own happiness.

6: Get help – Connect with someone you trust to help you work through the issues. This additional support can really help overcome obstacles such as self-belief, self worth, procrastination and excuses.

Self-sabotage keeps you where you are, it keeps you stuck, and often makes you fear shining your light. It may give a perception of being a safe place to be, but it often has the opposite effect.

Start your journey to a better future by following the 6 steps listed above.

*ESR points are Emotional Stress Release points, which can be found just above each eyebrow.