The first step in ditching your self-sabotage habit? Recognising it.

“Once we see self-sabotage for what it is, we can start to recognise and use our energy, assets and gifts more wisely,” Coleman tells us. “Knowledge and self-awareness are key to avoiding self-sabotage and other obstacles to being healthy and unburdened.”

It may help to work with a therapist to get the root cause of your self-sabotaging tendencies, and to journal about your experiences so you can start to notice patterns and triggers.

“Some of us lack self-worth and negate our own value,” Coleman notes. “Maybe we grew up lacking confidence and courage, conditioned with negative self-talk. We convince ourselves that the worst can happen instead of the best.”

Once you understand your self-sabotage and where it comes from, you can start to notice it happening and nip it in the bud each time it does. You can start saying ‘no’ to more work than you can handle. You can ensure your circle is supportive. You can recognise that procrastination is coming from a place of fear, and be brave enough to just do that thing you’ve been putting off.

Breaking any habit is a process and a practice. The more you do it, the easier it will be.

Angela D. Coleman is the author of The Art Of Chilling Out For Women, a holistic health expert and the founder of global nonprofit Sisterhood Agenda.

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