Why Do We Self-Sabotage?

Self-sabotage is a behavior that can prevent us from achieving our goals, whether it's in relationships, professional endeavors, or personal objectives. It's a common yet incredibly frustrating cycle that can reduce our self-confidence and make us feel trapped. The root cause of this behavior is often a lack of self-esteem. According to Joseph, self-sabotage occurs when we do certain things that were adaptive in a context but are no longer necessary.

Examples of this behavior include procrastination, stress eating, and other activities that can stand in the way of our goals. Vision boards are an effective way to combat self-sabotage. This tool appeals to the right side of the brain, which is more connected to its artistic and less rational side. By using images, sounds, scents, and tactile material, we can communicate with our amygdala-driven selves and break the cycle of self-sabotage.

Recent research has confirmed that procrastination is an emotional form of self-sabotage. To overcome this behavior, it's important to identify the underlying cause and take steps to address it. This could include seeking professional help or engaging in activities that boost your self-esteem.