Self-Sabotage Defined

What is self-sabotage and how does it effect me?

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If you are looking for a sign to get out of bed, take a shower, walk outside, or a simple reminder that you are important: Here it is! This is your sign!

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*This post contains affiliate links. I do receive a small commission if you purchase a product using my link, with no addition cost to you! I promise that Becoming the Best Self will never promote anything that has not been used, fully looked into, or that we do not fully support!*

Self-Sabotage [Part 1]

PODCAST + YOUTUBE VIDEO Available

Hi, friend! Before we dive in on today’s topic, I want to let you know that we are starting the beginning of a new series with this post!

This month’s series is on (you guessed it) self-sabotage.

Throughout the next few weeks, we’re going to be looking what self-sabotage is, if (and why) we do it, how to stop, and so much more.

If you think you may be self-sabotaging your life, work, goals, or relationship(s), I promise you- you’re in the right place!

(Make sure you become our email friend by clicking here. This way, you can stay up to date throughout this series. We’ll let you know each time a new post is up and give you even more tips than these posts provide. Also, you’ll get first dibs on our freebies and products!)

Let’s just start out with the tough love.

I want you to stop and think. What if I told you that you are the only thing keeping you from reaching your goals?

That’d be a tough pill to swallow, huh? But, maybe it’s true. There’s a good possibly you are self-sabotaging your life.

It’s okay- we’re human. We do this. And, throughout the rest of our self- sabotaging series, we’re going to be looking at the ins and outs of combating it.

But, first, we have to learn what self-sabotaging actually is.

 

Although it is not always obvious for you to realize, sometimes you can be your own worst enemy.

Ever heard of shooting yourself in the foot? That term is literally the sole definition of self-sabotage.

Self-sabotaging behavior are behaviors that directly halt your personal self- confidence, daily life, reaching your goals, or even hinder your relationships.

Psychology Today includes procrastination, drug-use, alcohol abuse, indulgent eating, and self-injury as different examples of self-sabotage behavior.

But, here at Becoming the Best Self, we’re going to look at self-sabotage behavior on a more internal basis.

Self-Sabotage (the mind)

 

The thing about self-sabotage is that it doesn’t just limit our success, it destroys our happiness. It takes away the opportunity for us to fully enjoy our life.

*Okay, Jess, but, how?*

I’m sure you know this by now, but our thoughts lead to our actions. So, if our behavior is showing self-sabotaging actions, it definitely started in our minds.

Our thoughts produced the very first inkling of self-sabotage, even if it was subconsciously.

And, as we definitely know, our happiness comes from within.

Although exterior things (materialistic goods, appearances, destinations) can provide a sense of happiness, true happiness comes from your mindset. I mean, that’s pretty obvious.

Can you think of someone who may not be living in the best circumstances, but always seems to be positive and lively?

Then, on the flip side, can you think of someone who seems to have everything they could ever dream of, but acts completely miserable all the time?

Because, yes and yes.

Now, for this post, that point is kinda here nor there. But, it’s vital to realize our actions stem from our mindset.

(And, trust me. I’m not always Positive Pam. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it a million more times- I’m more of a… Realistic Rose… if you will. But, I do know that my mindset effects everything I do, how I perceive life, and my happiness.)

 

Change Your Mindset

We’re definitely going to look at direct ways to stop self-sabotage throughout the
rest of this series. But, today, I just want to leave you with a few tips on changing
your mindset.

Now, I’m not saying that having (or striving for) a positive mindset alone is going to bring you everything you want, but it will change your life.

 

1. Recognize your thoughts

The first step in changing your mindset is going to be knowing what exactly your mindset is.

We have to know our thoughts to change them, right? Right.

If you aren’t fully self-aware yet, that’s okay. I encourage you to start journaling!

You can check out this journal (I love it because of its customizability) or just grab an extra notebook laying around.

If you aren’t one for writing, keep an electronic journal in the notes section on your phone!

Take time out of your day (you can even set reminders to do this) to pause and truly acknowledging what you are thinking. Jot them down. Then, at the end of the day or week, reflect on your thoughts.

If you have positive thoughts, that’s a win! But, we’re bound to have some negative one. The key here is to recognize them and then work on stopping them in the future.

 

2. Stop negative thoughts in their tracks

For a quick example, you may find yourself dreading a workout. The next time you think of working out, or go to do so, go ahead and give yourself some positive comments.

i. “I know I will feel good after this!”
ii. “When I finish working out, I’ll get to drink my good protein shake!”
iii. “I can’t wait to see my friends in this class. They always motivate me!”

Okay, I know that sounds super cheesy, but I’m telling you- it works.

Just try it. Try it for… let’s say a week.

See how you feel at the end of one week, and get back to me! I’m pretty confident you’ll be in a better headspace!

 

3. Reward yourself for positivity

How do we teach children? All in all, we remind them of how good they’re doing when they do what we want.

I’m here to remind you that we are as simple as children when it comes to this.

Want to create a new habit? Remind yourself you’re doing well each day you ‘do’ the habit.

Want to reach a goal? Set rewards after each step to get there. Want to learn something new? Be proud of yourself throughout each new lesson.

Want to become more positive? Pat yourself on the back for all of the positive comments, outlooks, or thoughts you have throughout the day!

 

If you think you are self-sabotaging, change your mindset.

Stop overcomplicating your happiness.

We’re going to stop there for today. We’ve covered what self-sabotage is and how our mind and mindset can be effect, and be effected by, it.

You’re homework for the beginning of this series? (OOO, did I forget to mention that we’re going to be seriously working through this one?)

Start paying attention to your thoughts. If you don’t like your mindset, or outlook on life, start actively changing it.

You are in control of your life. You are in control of how you think. You are in control of your happiness.

On the next post, we’ll discuss why we self-sabotage. Being such a negative thing, why do we do it? And, why is it so hard to stop?

 

If you found this post beneficial, or think it could be beneficial to your friends or family, make sure you share it to your social media or through texts and emails!

I always love hearing from you, so don’t be afraid to drop a comment below, email me, or reach out to me on Instagram! (Oh! Also, don’t forget to check out our new Facebook page. That’s also a great way to stay up to date with our posts!)

We are so excited to have you working on your self-growth as we start tackling our self-sabotaging behavior to strive for our best selves!

 

As always, if you need a sign to take care of yourself: this is it.

Recognize self-sabotaging behavior.

Change your mindset.

Stop self-sabotaging your life.

Because as we all know:

you are the most vital character in your story!

*This post contains affiliate links. I do receive a small commission if you purchase a product using my link, with no addition cost to you! I promise that Becoming the Best Self will never promote anything that has not been used, fully looked into, or that we do not fully support!*

 

Peace out, girl scouts!

… and always aim to be the best self you can be.