Behavior that interferes with long-term goals and creates problems in daily life is known as self-sabotage. Common examples of self-sabotaging behavior include procrastination, self-medication with drugs or alcohol, comfort eating, and forms of self-harm such as cutting. People often engage in these behaviors out of fear of failure or success, or to avoid disappointing others. Self-sabotage can have a negative impact on almost every aspect of life, from relationships to professional goals and personal ambitions such as weight loss.
It is a frustrating cycle that reduces self-confidence and keeps people from achieving their goals. The root cause of self-sabotage is often a lack of faith in oneself. People with borderline personality disorder (BPD) may also be prone to self-destructive or self-sabotaging behavior due to their intense emotions and unpredictable reactions. The first step in overcoming self-sabotage is to identify the fears that lead to these behaviors.
As you review the list of self-sabotage behaviors, think about the fears that give rise to them. Once you have identified your fears, you can start to take steps to address them and break the cycle of self-sabotage.
