The Dreaded Self-Sabotage: How to Stop Getting in Your Own Way
Self-sabotage—it's something many of us struggle with. That familiar sense of frustration, the internal dialogue that goes, "Why do I keep doing this?" or "I know this is good for me. I know I want to do better, be better. So why can't I actually follow through?" Sound familiar?
If you're tired of getting in your own way and want to start moving forward (while gaining confidence and trust in yourself), you're in the right place. Let's break down what self-sabotage really is and how you can stop it in its tracks.
Understanding Self-Sabotage: It's Not All Bad
First off, here's something that might surprise you: self-sabotage isn't inherently bad. In fact, it's a form of self-preservation. Your brain is constantly scanning for perceived threats—anything new, unknown, challenging, or disruptive to your current norm is flagged as a potential danger.
And let’s be honest, many aspects of your health and fitness journey fall into these categories. They're new, they challenge your comfort zone, and they disrupt your usual routine. So naturally, your brain interprets these changes as threats.
Why Your Brain Sabotages You
When your brain perceives something as a threat, it kicks into protection mode. It starts creating "logic" or reasoning to keep you from doing the thing that feels risky. Here are some common thoughts that might sound familiar:
What if I fail?
What if I waste time, money, or energy?
What if others criticize me?
What if this “proves” I’m not good enough?
What if my friends and family don’t approve, or I feel like I no longer fit in?
You’ll be out of control.
You’ll be hungry, miss out on fun, or life won’t be enjoyable.
You’re already stressed; there’s no way you can handle more.
Can you see how these thoughts are designed to keep you away from any perceived danger? But here's the catch: they also keep you away from growth and progress.
How to Overcome Self-Sabotage
If you're ready to make a change, the first step is to explore these thoughts more deeply. Ask yourself:
What is the fear or perceived threat in this situation?
What ELSE is true? What’s possible if I push through and do the thing?
And here's a critical step: remind yourself that this is a positive move. Yes, it will be challenging, and yes, it is SAFE. You are capable of hard things. You have support, and you WANT this change.
This process helps on both a psychological and physiological level.
The Power of Small Actions
Next comes action—no matter how small. Taking even tiny steps helps create new neural pathways. This reduces or eliminates the perceived danger and gives your brain proof that future threats don’t need to trigger high alert.
Remember, the comfort your brain is seeking isn’t always the best answer for you.
Sabotage Is Predictable—And You Can Stop It
The great news is that self-sabotage is predictable, which means you can anticipate it and stop it before it happens. By understanding your brain’s motives and challenging those protective but limiting thoughts, you can break free from self-sabotage and start making the progress you desire.
Ready to stop self-sabotage in its tracks and take control of your journey? Join the WIcked Iron Strength community for more guidance, support, and actionable strategies to help you thrive.
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