How to Stop Self-Sabotage
Self-sabotage is when you want to be, do, or have something and then (somehow) do things to make sure that you don’t actually manifest it. Of course, self-sabotage can (and usually does) apply to multiple areas of our lives, today I want to focus specifically on weight release (weight loss) and emotional (stress, binge, and over) eating self-sabotage.
The types of sabotage you might be experiencing could be:
- Finding a coach to work with, but then procrastinating to set up an appointment.
- Always planning to start your new plan on Monday, but always having the restart next week.
- Planning to release an addictive food, only to find your pantry shelves stocked with it and not wanting to waste it and throw it out.
The list goes on and on.
How many times have you found yourself *this* close to achieving a goal, only to throw it all away at the last moment? Only to look back later and kick yourself for being so foolish?
I know I have.
Why did we do this? Well, there are a few possible reasons. They range from the need to control the situation on one end of the spectrum to feeling unworthy on the other end. Luckily, no matter the cause, the solutions are (mostly) the same.
Eliminate self-sabotage from your life using these tips:
- Pay Attention. Review the times in your past where you have sabotaged your weight releasing or emotional eating mastery efforts. You probably try to justify the sabotaging behavior in your mind by blaming someone or something else. But, ignore the reasons and just observe your actions and behaviors. What would an outside/third party think was the reason for your behavior? What conclusions would they draw? Learn to notice the signs and signals of your self-sabotage. How and when do you do it? Be objective (NOT JUDGMENTAL) and recognize your patterns.
- Progress is still progress. We sometimes quit because things don’t turn out the way we hoped or imagined. So make sure you are setting reasonable expectations and S.M.A.R.T. goals for yourself. And remember no one and nothing in life is ever perfect. For instance, maybe you’re in a great place with your eating plan because there’ve been no holidays or family gatherings. Expecting it to remain that way isn’t reasonable. #BecauseChristmas Have some flexibility built into your plan especially for times when you need it.
- Be Considerate. Tough love time – self-sabotaging behavior is selfish. You’re hurting yourself and others. So before you throw in the towel, consider how it will affect those around you. That might provide enough motivation to continue trying and moving forward.
- Be Adventurous. Self-sabotagers tend to stay in their own little worlds where they feel safe. Releasing your unwanted weight means adjusting your outlook, growing in response to difficult situations, and learning to cope with life in brand new and interesting ways. Your life will be changed to a certain degree. Be brave enough to take that adventure.
- Start small. Give yourself the gift of having a few small successes. Take baby steps/ Then take the time to notice that these successes aren’t perfect, but they still made your life better. Enjoy the victories and imagine how great it would be to accomplish your goal weight or mastering your emotional eating.
- Take it slow. Take time to make major decisions and sweeping changes. Think about it. And don’t be impulsive. A few days can give you the perspective you require to make a wise decision about your newest eating plan ideas.
Self-sabotage can be frustrating. In the moment, it might seem like you’re making a good choice (especially when it comes to emotional eating), but eventually the truth becomes more apparent as your goals slide further and further away from you. It’s easy to beat yourself up over your self-sabotaging behavior, but that can make it even harder for you to succeed the next time. So be gentle with yourself.
With consistent effort, you can and will be successful!
