Updated: Apr 13, 2021
Being a self-saboteur is not the sexiest or most popular topic, however, it is a topic I talk about frequently with some very successful people. Chances are if you are reading this you may have wondered if (or know you might) fit the title.
Self-sabotage means YOU may do things that get in the way of attaining your goals or aspirations.
Be a little self-reflective today and answer these questions:
Do you seem to struggle in your professional or personal life much more than others?
Do your efforts to succeed regularly get disrupted?
Are following through on your plans (well-conceived as they may be) or do they typically become problematic?
Do you do “stupid” or impulsive things even though you know they are not effective?
Do your relationships start out promising, but usually go south, as though somehow you just can't help saying or doing something to damage them?
Are you perhaps a lot better at making money than holding onto it?
If any of these questions fits you, you may be guilty of self-sabotage.
Think about it, you are disciplined enough to work hard at accomplishing a goal, yet routinely do something rash or thoughtless and damage your process. Your behaviors may actually be more motivated than you imagine and are probably not coincidental.
You may have unconsciously been "planning" your own failures all along.
Sabotage comes in many forms. Procrastination, self-medicating with drugs or alcohol, overeating from stress, and interpersonal conflict are among the most widely used and recognizable forms of self-sabotage. These actions can be especially dangerous because they’re so subtle. You may not notice the extra cookie you’re taking or the additional drink you want to order before last call and, at the time, they may even appear to calm you down and relax you.