4 Reasons You Self Sabotage [Overcome Procrastination, Anxiety & More]

Whether it’s through procrastination, career, relationships, or something else, we all self sabotage in some way. Neuropsychologist Dr. Judy Ho explains 4 reasons you self sabotage and how to overcome them.

In this episode, MedCircle Certified Educator Dr. Judy breaks down 4 reasons you self sabotage, and how to stop self sabotaging and "get out of your own way."

Plus, self sabotaging behavior isn't as obvious as you would expect - sometimes the self sabotage signs are subtle. Dr. Judy sheds light on what those hidden self sabotaging behaviors are.

Some of what Kyle and Dr. Judy cover:
- Why do we ALL self-sabotage?
- What are the biological reasons we all self sabotage - what turns on that "self sabotage switch"?
- What are the 4 reasons we self sabotage?
- What is low or shaky self concept and how does it lead to self sabotage?
- What are internalized beliefs and how do they lead to self sabotage?
- How does fear of change lead to self sabotage?
- How does excessive need for control lead to self sabotage?
- How can you reach your goals once you identify the reasons WHY you self sabotage?

Kyle and Dr. Judy's interview discussion is not just eye-opening for those proactively looking to overcome fear or how to stop self sabotaging. This chat is also eye-opening for anyone interested in personal development, self improvement, how to figure out their values, and how to reach their goals.

The What's Working show is a MedCircle Production. For more mental health and wellness advice, you can follow MedCircle on...

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[WhatsWorking]

How do you self sabotage, and how do you combat it?

[ZbriW]

I procrastinate all the time with school, getting started with my business, some household projects, consistently working out. But I am good with consistently overloading my mind with past mistakes or future disappointments.

[freebeing]

I'm starting to realize my own self sabotage. I come from an extremely traumatic childhood and have just now realized I was stuck in survival mode -- avoiding danger -- with no real sense of attaining awards. I didn't think I deserved any rewards at all. It's a tough road coming out of this line of thinking in congruence with taking actual, real steps toward changing my circumstances. But can you believe I'm actually taking steps to go to grad school??? Wow. I'm terrified but still moving forward.

[MrCred_]

When the quiz asked "what do u like about urself" and I couldnt respond, that's when i realised that i need to get my life in check

[learningearning]

I recognize that I procrastinate. Like I have a certification exam (which could totally level up my career)..in less than 1 week but for some reason I’m barely studying for it. I feel the block but I’m unsure why it’s here.

[ivan]

When 2020 started I began with this system: I chose 6 areas of my life which I would like to improve and devote one day of the week to improve myself in one of those. For this month at least I chose:
Monday: Pleasures.
Tuesday: Academia.
Wednesday: Aesthetics.
Thursday: Body.
Friday: Temperance.
Saturday: Socialization.
Sunday: Review what happened throughout the week and prepare for the next one.
I can't say it's been perfect so far but I am making progress!

[daniellet]

The pursuit of happiness is an illusion, the purpose is to be content with who you are and what you're purpose is. I self sabotage bc i dont feel worthy, therefore i work on accepting myself, knowing that with each goal met, each instance of my life Im exactly where I'm supposed to be. Everything changes, nothing is permanent. Namaste

[bspangenberg]

My relationships. Having a core belief of never being good enough always makes me think that somebody will cheat on me or leave me again for another person. So I self sabotage great relationships to protect my heart.

[calfcalf]

Agreeing with them while eating my second bag of m&m’s. 😆

[disaj]

"Get unstuck, so your life doesn't suck." Luv luv luv!

[samarhafeez]

I do not waste time, I do not take my mental emotional and physical health lightly, I pray, I am self compassionate n kind to others, all these help me stay ahead of the curve

[rakelkieding]

I don’t go to bed on time, knowing it sabotages tomorrow. 🤦🏻‍♀️

[DanielSquires]

*You self sabotage as a result of your self image.* Your self image is like the thermostat of your results. keeping your results the same on average, be that your body weight, hygiene, income, health etc.
when you make a change at the identity level, it is much easier to take new, better actions consistently

[amselby]

I don’t know why I procrastinate. I see the big picture, and I want to achieve the big picture. But I don’t feel motivated to take the baby steps that need to be taken in order to achieve the big picture. I’m bad at keeping routines. And I often make lists of things that need to be done. But sometimes I wake up, I think about everything that needs to be done, and I choose to stay in bed for as long as possible. Why do I avoid it? And so many times I procrastinate until I can no longer avoid it. And so I either scramble to do it at the last possible minute, or I just can’t get it done. I choose to do it the chaotic way, even though it’s soooo stressful.

[RubiTootie]

Watching the host heal is so amazing. He goes from a level of envy (self doubt) and moves towards an admiration and respect (higher security in himself). It's self soothing to me. I recognize pieces of my growth in such. I love being human and being fallible. We all suffer from the same human condition in various forms. Love you all! *hugs*

[starcrafterterran]

It took me 6 months to write this post about procrastination.

[psycherevival]

Self Sabotage is a HUGE issue for me. In my business/career I procrastinate, and constantly under deliver. I do ok at the start of a project and then somehow I shit the bed by being late with my work & unresponsive. I am talented and smart, but I have a demon inside sucking the life out of me. When I procrastinate I end up in my bed hoping that I will feel better when I wake up, but sometimes that takes days.

I sabotage my relationships in different ways, depending on the relationship. I just can't handle when things are good.

I think that deep down I just don't think I am worthy of love and success so I automatically/subconsciously destroy my chances.

I don't know how to combat this, but I keep searching for answers. I wish I could afford therapy.

I *just* had an interesting insight as I have been typing... I thought that if I loved myself enough I just wouldn't do these things, but many I need to figure out a way to stop doing these things FIRST, in order to illustrate that I love myself. After all, the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

Despite my self-sabotage I'm proud to say that I do rank quite high in honesty as a value, which I think is good.

[healingenergyandspirittaro]

Number 1 value is spirituality
It’s because I didn’t know who I was for so long, that I’m clinging onto it strongly now. Maybe too much, but whose to say really, because this could be the best version of me that I will ever become

[julierobinson]

You can't change what you're not aware of...😌

[wonderwoman]

I did the quiz too: it's the first test ever on which I scored so high.😂 I'm so screwed!