Are you working to exceed your sales goals from last year? Aiming to get in better physical shape? Are you trying to be a better communicator with your spouse in an effort to improve your relationship? Do you want to be more social?

While most everyone is driven to accomplish an end result, no one is exempt from experiencing setbacks – physically, mentally or emotionally. Even the most successful people on the planet have had moments where they think and feel they’re unable to do what they’ve later come to accomplish.

But have you ever considered that you might be the source of your setbacks?

The reason is self-sabotaging behaviors. If at times you feel like you’re your own worst enemy, there’s no longer a reason to fret about it. Learn how to stop self-sabotaging by identifying the signs and developing strategies you can practice to nip negative thought patterns in the bud. Once you’re able to break the habit, you can move forward in life in pursuit of your goals.

What is self-sabotaging behavior?

The self-sabotage definition is the act of preventing yourself from succeeding at whatever it is you’re trying to accomplish – whether consciously or unconsciously. It can come in the form of negative self-talk, procrastination or failing to follow up on your commitments to yourself, family or colleagues. Self-sabotage usually stems from our own fears and insecurities, causing (or worsening) self-doubt.

Self-sabotaging behaviors are often unconscious. Yours may seem completely logical to you. When things are going well in your relationship, you start a fight – because your subconscious is trying to protect you from getting hurt in the future. You want to achieve a breakthrough in your life, like losing weight or saving money, but you don’t think you’re worthy. Self-sabotage can even include such seemingly normal things as staying in your comfort zone or caring too much about what others think of you. These behaviors aren’t harmless, because they hold you back from reaching your full potential – and that’s the definition of self-sabotage.

What causes self-sabotaging behavior?

Self-sabotaging behavior often goes back to our core beliefs about ourselves. If we don’t believe we are worthy of love, success or health and fitness, we sabotage our relationships, finances and weight loss programs. Limiting beliefs like “I’ve always been this way” prevent us from growing. And as Tony says, “If you’re not growing, you’re dying.”

No matter the cause of the self-sabotaging behavior, the results are always the same: We question our abilities and what we’re capable of achieving. Questioning every move we’ve ever made and over-analyzing past and future decisions sets us further away from reaching our goals. When we’re overcome by self-doubt, it’s easy to want to throw in the towel and give up on trying to reach our goals.

How to stop self-sabotaging

The first step in overcoming self-sabotaging behaviors is to identify them. Self-sabotage becomes so ingrained in who we are, many people are not even aware that they have such behaviors. Think about the various areas of your life: relationships, career, self-esteem. What are you doing to stand in your own way?

Do you spend hours procrastinating online instead of working on a business plan? Do you feel too exhausted to exercise and instead turn to takeout and binge on television? When you’re having a conflict with a close friend or your partner, do you shut down or purposefully stop communicating? Ask people you trust for feedback on any self-sabotaging behaviors they’ve noticed. You should also examine your self-talk. Words are powerful, especially the words we use internally. 

After identifying the ways in which you self-sabotage, think about the motives behind your actions. Do you feel like you don’t deserve to be happy or reach professional success? Affirm your positive qualities instead of dwelling on the negative ones, and don’t let minor setbacks spiral into massive failures.

Learn the power of letting go – accept that everyone makes mistakes and move on. Work toward forming productive habits instead, like setting tangible goals at work or bettering your communication with loved ones by setting dedicated time for conversations. Breaking bad habits and establishing positive habits will immensely benefit your life.

How the firewalk can help you

One way people say goodbye to fear and embrace their best selves is by participating in Tony Robbins’ firewalk. When participants accomplish the challenge, they prove to themselves they’re capable of anything they set their minds to. Once individuals realize what they’re capable of, they feel empowered to go after their goals in every facet of life – careers, friendships, relationships and more.

The firewalk is a powerful tool that shows people that they can manifest and achieve anything they want in life. The only limitations are the ones you place on yourself. By taking part in the firewalk and achieving something that at first seems impossible, you’ll liberate your mind and realize that your self-sabotaging behavior is truly the only thing holding you back.

If you’re looking for a way to overcome your self-sabotaging thoughts and behaviors and want to make a lasting change that will make your life extraordinary, register for the next upcoming Unleash the Power Within. Participate in the firewalk and experience firsthand how Tony Robbins’ teachings at his live events will transform your life from ordinary into extraordinary in ways you never thought possible.