Self-sabotage is a behavior that can be difficult to overcome. It is often caused by low self-esteem, negative self-talk, and other negative emotions that are continually reinforced by the resulting failure. To break this cycle, it is important to monitor your behaviors, feelings, thoughts, and beliefs about yourself and challenge them when they stand between you and your goals. According to Joseph, self-sabotage occurs when you do certain things that were adaptive in a context but are no longer necessary.
The root of this behavior lies in emotional experiences, often from childhood, that shape our self-perception. Author and coach Maria Rippo (201) believes that healing childhood shame can free us from this cycle. The journey consists of discovering the origins of impotence that choreograph our toxic thoughts. Common examples of self-sabotage include procrastination, fear of success, and stress eating. To break this cycle, it is important to identify the underlying causes and develop alternative behaviors. One way to do this is by creating a vision board.
A vision board appeals to the right side of the brain that is most connected to your artistic and less rational side. Using images, sounds, scents, tactile material, etc. can help you communicate with your amygdala-driven being. This can help you identify the underlying causes of self-sabotage and develop alternative behaviors. In addition, it is important to recognize that fear can be a big driver of self-sabotage behavior.
Fear of success or failure can lead to self-sabotaging behavior as a way to protect ourselves from potential threats or pain. By recognizing these fears and understanding their origins, we can begin to break the cycle of self-sabotage.
