Self-sabotaging behavior is defined as deliberate activity (or inaction) that impedes someone’s growth and keeps them from reaching their objectives. When people ruin their own achievements, it is called self-sabotage.
It may come as a surprise, yet some people work against their own long-term objectives and noble intentions. When people engage in such unhealthy behavior, it can have a detrimental effect on almost every aspect of their lives, including their relationships and careers.
We’ll now talk about the causes of self-destructive behavior.
What leads to self-destructive behavior?
For a variety of reasons, people impede their own progress. They may deliberately or unconsciously engage in self-destructive behavior. The root causes might be traced back to early relationships or childhood difficulties.
Low self-esteem, coping issues, and issues with cognitive dissonance are some additional causes of this type of destructive conduct, which will be detailed below.
Cognitive dissonance
People that exhibit this behavior have trouble dealing with cognitive dissonance, which is the discomfort you might feel when trying to keep two separate ideas in your head at once. People prefer having harmony between their beliefs and behavior.
Challenging childhood
Your self-destructive behavior may be influenced by your dysfunctional family upbringing. You might have an ambivalent or avoidant attachment style if you lack a secure connection style.
If your parents told you as a child that you wouldn’t accomplish to much, perhaps you have set yourself up to fail.
Low Self-Esteem
Self-sabotage is more likely to occur in people who have low self-esteem and a negative self-image. They act in ways that support self-defeating behaviors. Therefore, when they are on the verge of success, they start to feel uneasy.
Difficulties in Relationships
It’s possible that you still feel exposed if your ex frequently criticizes you. Perhaps they claimed that trying to progress with someone like you was a waste of time.
You now have a wonderful relationship, yet you cheat on your spouse. or split up without reason. You worry about getting wounded again or feel inferior.
Typical Self-Sabotage Behavior
Mental health professionals have recognized typical instances of self-sabotage. Procrastination, perfectionism, and self-medication are three simple examples.
Procrastination
Those who self-sabotage delay gratification frequently. With procrastination, you can demonstrate to people that you’re never prepared and delay a positive consequence. People dread disappointing others, failing, or succeeding, which is why this happens.
Perfectionism
It will take longer and lead to setbacks if you hold yourself to an impossible standard. Even while it may seem like a good idea to strive for everything to go off without a hitch, perfectionism impedes success.
Perfectionists fall apart when something does go wrong, as it will invariably occur. They experience humiliation as a result. They are prone to sadness and believe that they have let everyone down.
Self-Medication
Many people turn to drugs, alcohol, and self-injury to cope with the ongoing conflict between their desire to succeed and the voice in their heads telling them they can’t.
