Self-criticism is one of the most common signs of self-sabotaging behavior. That inner voice that fills you with doubts and makes you feel like you can't do anything right can be a major obstacle to achieving your goals. To overcome this, it's important to take care of your physical and mental health. Eating well, exercising regularly, and getting regular checkups are all essential for maintaining good health.
If you have been living a sedentary lifestyle for a while, it may be difficult to give up such a habit and stay active. But it's not impossible. Start by taking short walks after dinner and gradually increase the intensity of your workouts. You'll find that not only will your energy levels improve, but also your mood.
In some cases, intimacy can be linked to negative rather than positive experiences, leading to tug-of-war behavior that culminates in a relationship breakup or avoidance. Gaslighting is another sign of self-sabotaging behavior, as it shows that you don't believe your partner's feelings are valid or real. Holding grudges against your partner is another way to protect yourself from getting hurt. It takes a lot of energy to be angry, so it's important to let go of those grudges and move on.
Planning too much is another form of self-sabotage. While it's important to be organized, it's also important to take action on your plans. Looking for inspiration can also be a way to procrastinate without realizing it. Instead of looking for answers from others, try to dig deeper into what you already know and get started before you know the answers.
According to Joseph, self-sabotage occurs when you do certain things that were adaptive in a context but are no longer necessary. Common self-sabotage behaviors include procrastination, self-medication with drugs or alcohol, comfort eating, and forms of self-harm such as cutting. Postponement can be a constant challenge if you are living with ADHD symptoms, but it can be managed. Self-sabotage behavior often comes from feelings of anxiety, anger, and worthlessness.
