Setting ourselves up for success so we can combat self-sabotaging behavior.
Let’s face it. We all self-sabotage; sometimes it’s intentional, sometimes not. Most of the time, the situation falls somewhere in between. Our internal thoughts (positive or negative) can be very powerful and dictate our behavior. Recognizing that we can change our thoughts and, in turn, change our behavior is the first step to fulfilling our goals and allowing ourselves to feel accomplished.
Why Do We Self-Sabotage?
The reasons are different for every person. Many of us will set ourselves up for failure. At the start of the New Year, we set lofty goals that we know we can’t achieve. Or we try to do too much in a day. Then, we feel let down when we don’t accomplish everything on our list.
Procrastination is a huge culprit as well. We know we’ll be running down the wire to finish something, but we find it impossible to get into a headspace to do it any sooner. Whatever your brand of self-sabotage is, you can break the cycle if you develop self-supporting behaviors. You can do this with proper mindfulness and self-care.
How to Stop Self-Sabotaging Behavior
Create the Right Environment
Trying to achieve your goals in an environment that doesn’t support your efforts can easily lead to a self-sabotaging cycle. Everyone’s situation is unique, but we all share a common factor: our minds and bodies. For instance, if you aim to be productive during the weekend, opting for a coffee shop or the library is generally more effective than staying at home with the TV running. Similarly, if you’re a busy mom with a fitness goal, it’s tough to succeed when you have a crying baby in the next room.
Get More Sleep
Ensuring that you get enough sleep is essential to productivity. The National Sleep Foundation recommends seven to nine hours of sleep per night for the average adult. In today’s world, this seems almost impossible for many of us to achieve. Practicing implementing a quiet, electronics-free time before bed that you can dedicate to your well-being helps countless people. Set up a routine! Get cozy in bed, diffuse some essential oils like lavender and chamomile, and reflect on your day.
Stay Focused & Energetic
We shouldn’t forget to maintain our energy and stay focused once we wake up. Bringing that essential oil routine into daily life can help! With rollers and zestier scents like mint or citrus, you might get a little boost of confidence and energy throughout the day. Taking time to meditate for a few minutes between projects will allow you to take stock of how far you’ve come and plan what you need to do to finish your day successfully. Massage therapy is an excellent tool to help prime your body and calm your mind before stressful events. Those who incorporate massage into their weekly or monthly rituals often become more mindful of their bodies and what they need.
Promote Self-Care
Realize that self-care usually starts with self-discovery.
- Understand your true identity and values, avoiding superficial descriptors like career or appearance. Embrace your unique qualities and core aspects that define you.
- Take responsibility for your life instead of focusing on negatives or making excuses. Seek fulfillment through making meaningful changes.
- Avoid excessive comparisons with others, as it leads to unhappiness. Limit social media use to reduce this tendency.
- Embrace solitude and learn to enjoy your own company. Avoid relying on others for validation and fill your own space.
Taking specific steps and actions toward improving self-care and self-love will change your mindset and ultimately allow you to overcome your negative thoughts and behaviors.
“If you make friends with yourself, you will never be alone.” ~Maxwell Maltz
I recommend regular massage treatments to help reduce stress and improve your mindset. You can book your next visit online here or contact me to schedule.
And if nothing else helps.. keep a light heart, and for a good giggle, go back to the old Bob Newhart skit – “STOP IT!“
Take it easy. You got this!
Love & Light,
Liraz
Liraz Bergman-Turner is a Licensed Massage Therapist, Reiki Master & Reflexologist. She owns Heavenly Embrace Wellness, a massage and energy healing practice in Boulder, CO.
Liraz is the best massage therapist I have worked with. She combines expert knowledge of anatomy with her sensitive intuition. She takes time to talk with you to learn your specific needs and follows up on future visits. She adapts her approach based on your preferences. She has alleviated pain in several areas for me, and suggested exercises and stretches I can do at home to maintain the improvements. Her office setting and personality are serene and relaxing. I always leave feeling significantly better physically and spiritually. I highly recommend Liraz and Heavenly Embrace Wellness.
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