Self-sabotage is a destructive behavior that can strip us of our motivation and make us feel anxious. It's a cycle of behavior that reduces our self-confidence and makes us feel trapped. The main reason people self-sabotage is lack of self-esteem, and it can affect almost every aspect of our lives. Common examples of self-sabotage include chronic struggles with food, alcohol, drugs, gambling, and self-harm.
At the root of this behavior is often a lack of faith in oneself. We may not have been taught how to manage difficult thoughts and feelings, so we do everything we can to suppress them in the moment. This could lead to resorting to alcohol and drugs to find some relief, even if it is temporary. Self-sabotage in the form of procrastination is emotional in nature, as confirmed by recent research.
To break this cycle, it's important to recognize the underlying cause of our behavior and find alternative ways to cope with stress. One way to do this is by creating a Vision Board that appeals to the right side of the brain. Using images, sounds, scents, tactile material, etc., can help you communicate with your amygdala-driven self. By understanding why we self-sabotage and finding alternative behaviors to cope with stress, we can break the cycle and start taking steps towards achieving our goals. It's important to remember that it takes time and effort to build up our self-esteem and confidence, but it's worth it in the end.
