It’s time to stop the self-sabotage

Today, let us shine a light on self-sabotage, or as it is commonly referred to – Procrastination. Ah…yes we all know that word!

Self-sabotage is a combination of destructive behaviours that can produce damaging actions and leave recurring consequences. It can be defined as thoughts and emotions that interfere with long-term personal or career goals.  Sometimes it is a conscious act, yet generally, it is unconscious because it presents as a conflict between our mind and our personality.  For example, why does a university student get drunk the night before a final exam?  Why do lactose intolerant people eat creamy rich cheese?  These acts undermine us and lends itself to procrastination or in other forms such as overeating, not exercising, making excuses and even forgetting important tasks.

Negative feelings and self-defeating behaviours are caused by low self-esteem and a lack of confidence that creates obstacles.  When you consciously want something but subconsciously make sure you do not get it, your inner saboteur is at work. For example, your mind cannot move away from something, only towards it.  When you say, “I don’t want ‘X’ to happen,” you automatically gravitate towards ‘X’. Instead, use positive language and restate to “I want ‘X’ to happen”.  Below are some other helpful tips to stop self-sabotage in its tracks:

• Think about what is working well for you right now and be sure to acknowledge and be grateful.
• Next time you experience fear, ask yourself, “What’s the worst thing that could happen?”
• Remind yourself that worst-case scenarios are nothing but products of the imagination and they rarely come to fruition.
• Take a moment to put things in perspective and then make a list of the things you want to change, the things you can change and the things you would like to change but have little or no power over, such as other people’s actions and feelings
• Devise an action plan and silence your inner skeptic with positive thinking and affirmations
• You get what you focus on, so be conscious of the commands you are giving to your subconscious

We do have the resources within us to achieve what we want.  Start observing the inner saboteur and challenge yourself to take action, put procrastination in boot of the car and take control of your direction.