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Writer's pictureLouise Howard

5 strategies for breaking free from self sabotage

Updated: Jun 14


You have big goals and dreams but every time you set about taking action to complete them something happens, you get distracted, you do something else instead or you find an excuse as to why it can't be done. Self-sabotage is a common pattern that can hinder personal growth and success. Recognizing when you're undermining your own efforts is the first step towards breaking free from this cycle. In this blog post, we'll explore signs of self-sabotage and provide practical strategies to empower you to overcome these barriers and thrive.





Signs of Self-Sabotage:

Procrastination and Avoidance:

  • Delaying important tasks or avoiding them altogether.

  • Creating excuses to justify putting off actions that align with your goals.


Negative Self-Talk:

  • Engaging in self-critical or defeating internal dialogue.This may sound like "I cant' do this, everyone else is better than me, I don't deserve it"

  • Undermining your confidence with thoughts of doubt or unworthiness.



  1. Fear of Success or Failure:

    • Feeling anxious about achieving success and the responsibilities it may bring.

    • Fear of failure leading to a subconscious avoidance of opportunities.

    • Feeling fear in the pit of your stomach when you come to take action and either ignoring it and doing something else or letting the negative self talk win.


Perfectionism:

  • Setting unrealistically high standards that are impossible to meet.

  • Procrastinating or avoiding tasks out of fear of not meeting perfection.

  • Being so detailed that it takes you forever to get something out there.


Self-Isolation:

  • Withdrawing from social connections or opportunities for collaboration.

  • Creating a self-imposed barrier to growth and support.


5 Strategies to Break Free from Self-Sabotage:


Cultivate Self-Awareness:

  • Pay attention to your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

  • Journaling or mindfulness practices can help you identify patterns of self-sabotage.

  • Notice when you are reading a personal development book and you get up to go to the loo or make a brew instead of doing the exercises!

  • What are you avoiding?

  • What are you justifying? Eg"I cant do this because...........

Affirmations

  • "I am aware of my thoughts and actions, and I choose to redirect negativity into positive energy."

  • "Every day, I become more attuned to the patterns that no longer serve me, and I release them with love."


Challenge Negative Thoughts:

  • Actively challenge and reframe negative self-talk.

  • Replace self-limiting beliefs with positive affirmations that empower you.

Affirmations


  • "I am worthy of success, and I release all self-doubt from my mind."

  • "My thoughts create my reality, and I choose positivity and self-empowerment."


Set Realistic Goals:

  • Break down larger goals into smaller, achievable tasks.

  • Celebrate small victories to build confidence and momentum.

Affirmations


  • "I set achievable goals and celebrate my progress along the way."

  • "Each small step I take brings me closer to my larger goals, and I trust in the process."


Seek Support and Accountability:

  • Share your goals with a trusted friend, mentor, or coach.

  • Having someone to hold you accountable can provide motivation and encouragement.

Affirmations


  • "I am surrounded by a supportive community that encourages and uplifts me."

  • "I welcome the guidance and accountability of others on my journey to success."


Embrace Imperfection and Learn from Setbacks:

  • Recognize that perfection is unattainable, and mistakes are part of the learning process.

  • View setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning rather than reasons for self-sabotage.

Affirmations


  • "I release the need for perfection and embrace the beauty of my journey, flaws and all."

  • "Mistakes are opportunities for growth, and I learn valuable lessons from every setback."


Breaking free from self-sabotage requires a commitment to self-awareness and a willingness to challenge limiting beliefs. By identifying the signs of self-sabotage and implementing proactive strategies, you can shift your mindset and behaviors towards empowerment and success. Remember, the journey to self-liberation is a process, and each step forward is a triumph. Embrace the opportunity to break free from self-sabotage, and open the door to a more fulfilling and purposeful life.

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