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Writer's pictureGary Lougher

Reinvention, Not Resolutions, Day 6: Self-Sabotage




I can't possibly do justice to this topic in a blog post. I can say that exploring its effects in your life will be eye-opening and liberating. So, here is a link to the best book I know of on the subject.




And Here is a brief summary of self-sabotage:


Self-sabotage is an intriguing yet perplexing phenomenon where we unconsciously undermine our own success and well-being. This behavioral paradox often emerges from a complex web of psychological factors and can manifest in various aspects of life, including personal and professional realms. Unraveling the intricate layers of self-sabotage involves delving into its causes, identifying its types, and, most importantly, exploring actionable strategies to counteract this self-defeating behavior.


Causes of Self-Sabotage:

  • Fear of Failure: The dread of not meeting expectations leads to preemptive thwarting of efforts.

  • Fear of Success: Apprehensions about the responsibilities and changes that success might bring.

  • Low Self-Esteem: A mindset where individuals feel undeserving of success, happiness, or fulfillment.


Types of Self-Sabotage:

  • Procrastination: Delaying or postponing tasks to avoid anxiety.

  • Perfectionism: Setting unattainable standards, leading to endless revisions or inaction.

  • Self-Destructive Behaviors: Indicators like substance abuse or self-harm.


Strategies to Counteract Self-Sabotage:

  • Self-Awareness: Recognizing and accepting self-sabotaging patterns.

  • Realistic Goal-Setting: Creating attainable goals to mitigate the effects of perfectionism and procrastination.

  • Supportive Network: Building a network of friends, family, or professional help.

  • Developing Resilience: Learning to cope with failure as part of growth.

  • Practicing Self-Compassion: Understanding everyone has flaws and makes mistakes.


As complex and deeply ingrained behavior as self-sabotage is, it is not insurmountable. Through a combination of self-awareness, realistic goal-setting, support systems, resilience, and self-compassion, individuals can start to untangle the web of self-sabotage. By actively working against these self-defeating behaviors, one can open the door to personal growth, success, and a more fulfilling life. The journey may be challenging, but the rewards of overcoming self-sabotage are immeasurable.


Here's a video that talks more about self-sabotage. And this link will take you to an assessment to see what your prevalent saboteurs are: https://www.positiveintelligence.com/saboteurs/





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