Self-sabotaging behavior can be a difficult habit to break, but it is possible. To reduce self-sabotaging behavior, it is important to set meaningful goals and pair them with an action plan. Working with a mental health therapist can also be beneficial. Additionally, making small, gradual changes and acting on them slowly can help prevent your sabotaging mind from holding back.
Taking bite-sized actions that don't derail you is also important. People who have problems with moderation often have difficulty setting limits. This behavior may seem pleasant to people, causing them to say “yes” to too many things, or it could be a lack of restraint in other areas of their lives, such as having too many drinks on a night out. Procrastination often goes hand in hand with perfectionism, as perfectionists often delay starting a project if they feel they can't do it perfectly.
Unfortunately, a lack of communication can be detrimental to our relationships and can create fertile ground for imposter syndrome. Taking action is a fundamental step in reducing counterproductive behavior, as postponement is often the cornerstone of self-sabotage. Once you start taking action, you build momentum toward your goals and reduce fear while (re)developing your sense of self-worth. Knowing yourself better and exploring what you really want out of life can help prevent this type of self-sabotage.
However, it's not enough to know what you want; you also need to respect and support yourself enough to work for it. Recognizing that there is something out there that you really want and think is good for you is the first step, but then you must take steps to ensure that your actions align with that goal.
