Self Sabotage
This past year has shown me that healing and growth can come from the most painful places. This perspective shift has been essential for showing myself compassion rather than judgement when I experience “self-sabotaging” behavior, which is this week’s HGC topic.
At its core, any behavior or action that appears to be “self-sabotage” is actually an effort for my subconscious to “self protect.” As I continue to peel back the layers and understand why I respond the way I do, I am able to see the parts of me that need healing.
Realizing that my subconscious isn’t out to sabotage me, but rather protect me, has allowed me to lean in and find ways to process that discomfort rather than repress it.
Below are 4 of my main triggers that activate my “self-sabotage” responses along with 4 ways I am working to lean in rather than repress those feelings.
1. Overwhelmed. When I’m feeling overwhelmed, I want to hide. I try and honor my body because stepping away allows me to refocus. I then think of one simple thing I can take action on. Stepping away often allows that “one thing” to become clear.
2. Imposter Syndrome. Those negative voices can be loud. When I doubt my abilities, I want to run, so I do! I bring them into the light and share with my cheerleaders who can speak truth when I can’t do it on my own.
3. Perfectionism. I never thought of myself as a perfectionist; however, I realized that it was my subconscious belief that I needed to be perfect and since I would never achieve that, why even try?! Instead, I am embracing a growth mindset, where my talents and gifts can grow and improve rather than remain stagnant.
4. Fear of Failure & Success. Both boil down to exposing the painful emotion of not being good enough at my core. These core emotions are not something I can easily push through and overcome, but recognizing that I have some deep seeded pain is showing me that doing the hard work is not a quick fix, but it’s worth it.
How are you leaning into the discomfort of your “self sabotaging” behavior to shift your perspective?
This post is written in partnership with #HerGrowthCollective, encouraging women to walk the path of self-development together.
