Self-sabotage is a behavior that can be detrimental to our success and well-being. It is rooted in counterproductive mentalities such as negativity, disorganization, indecision, and negative self-talk. Perfectionism and imposter syndrome are also forms of self-sabotage. An insidious and ubiquitous form of self-sabotage is meaningless distractions that prevent us from achieving our goals.
Common self-sabotaging behaviors include procrastination, self-medication with drugs or alcohol, comfort eating, and forms of self-harm such as cutting. According to Joseph, self-sabotage occurs when we do certain things that were adaptive in a context but are no longer necessary. Self-sabotage is when we actively or passively take action to prevent us from reaching our goals. This behavior can affect almost every aspect of our lives, whether it's a relationship, a professional goal, or a personal goal such as weight loss.
Although it's very common, it's an incredibly frustrating cycle of behavior that reduces our self-confidence and makes us feel trapped. The underlying cause of this behavior is often a lack of faith in oneself. Toxic traits refer to habits, behaviors, and ongoing actions that harm others. Identifying the toxic people in your life can be tricky as many toxic traits (such as egocentrism) can be subtle and we want to see the best in people.
So, is self-sabotage a toxic trait? It depends on the context and the individual's intentions. Self-sabotage can be seen as a form of self-harm which can be damaging to both the individual and those around them. However, it can also be seen as an attempt to protect oneself from further harm or disappointment. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide whether their behavior is helping or hindering them.
