Self-sabotage can be a very subtle behavior. You may not even realize you are engaging in this harmful self-destructive behavior. But it can have a significant impact on your life and hold you back from reaching your full potential. Self-sabotage refers to any behavior or thought pattern that keeps you from achieving your goals or fulfilling your potential. It can manifest in various ways. It is essential to recognize the signs of self-sabotage.
What does self-sabotaging look like?
Procrastination
Procrastination is one of the most common forms of self-sabotage. Examples are putting off projects, assignments, and even personal hygiene. It affects your productivity negatively, and you might not get things done on time.
Perfectionism
Perfectionism is another form of self-sabotage. The belief that you will only finish if it is perfect can be damaging. It prevents us from reaching our goals because we are eager to prove to ourselves and others that we are the best at what we do.
Impulsivity
Impulsivity is a common form of self-sabotage. People acting without thinking might lose opportunities to grow their careers or healthy relationships.
Shyness
Shyness is a self-sabotaging behavior that makes you seem weaker and less confident than you are. You might miss out on great opportunities because of shyness.
Blaming Others
Self-sabotage can also come from blaming others for everything that goes wrong. It is a quick way to take the focus away from yourself and from the problems that you are facing.
Signs You’re Self-Sabotaging
Mood Changes
Self-sabotaging behavior can affect your mood and make you feel bad. It might cause you to be irritable, anxious, depressed, or even sad.
Physical Effects
Self-sabotaging behavior can also have physical effects on you. Many people are self-sabotaging because they do not realize that their behavior is the cause of their health problems and that they can do something about it.
Self-Loathing
Self-loathing is a form of self-sabotaging behavior described as having low self-esteem and feeling awful about yourself. This feeling makes a person make bad decisions and act in a way that will prevent them from accomplishing their goals.
How Self-Sabotaging is Holding You Back?
Everyone engages in self-destructive behavior at some point in their lives. It is a part of being human, and nothing is wrong with it. But when you engage in repetitive behaviors with no positive goal behind them, it is self-sabotage. Some might include low self-esteem, fear of failure, fear of being criticized, fear of being taken advantage of, etc. There might be a part of you that is very ashamed of it, but the cause still needs to be addressed and repaired before you can get back on your path to achieving your goals in life.
C&C by Dove specializes in assisting you in achieving your goals in life. Our team can advise clients on their leadership skills, self-assessment, and self-development plans. We offer professional coaching and consultation services in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
It is not difficult to notice when you are being self-sabotaged. If you can figure out the cause, it becomes easier to fix. If you do not find the reason and continue with the behavior, it can harm you and those around you.
