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Have you ever noticed yourself delaying a big project, doubting your abilities right before an opportunity, or getting close to your goal only to back away? These seem like everyday stumbles, but they could be subtle signs of self-sabotage. Often lurking under the radar, self-sabotage can sneak into our routines, holding us back from the things we want most.
Sometimes it’s masked as perfectionism, procrastination, or even self-doubt—habits we think are harmless but are actually blocking our potential. In this article, Let’s uncover these quiet forms of self-sabotage and how to break free from their grip to live with confidence, purpose, and a dash of boldness.
The Entrepreneurial Business School states that focusing on things that are not working can lead to dissatisfaction and a lack of purpose. Instead, it is encouraged that you focus on what is working well and keep an evidence journal. If you’re stuck in fear, the publication suggests focusing on the present and acknowledging that you can’t control the future or others’ behaviours.
“All we can control is our own, right here, right now. Ask yourself, ‘What is the worst thing that could happen?’ Then, let go and know that it isn’t in your hands to control the future and that rarely do the scenarios we create in our heads occur.”
Self-sabotage in relationships can manifest in various ways, such as constantly arguing, provoking reactions, getting offended easily, or resorting to passive aggression, states Healthline. Additionally, the publication claims that self-sabotaging behaviours can occur when dating people who don’t meet your expectations, such as trying to make things work with a partner with different goals or staying in a relationship that’s going nowhere. These patterns are said to prevent you from finding a better match for long-term relationships and can lead to frustration and hurt.
The above source continues to mention that perfectionism is also a sign of sabotaging yourself as it can hinder effectiveness and often leads to a lack of focus on details. “People who struggle with moderation often have difficulty setting boundaries. This behaviour might look like people-pleasing which causes them to say ‘yes’ to too many things. Or it might be a lack of moderation in other areas of their lives, like one too many drinks on a night out.”
