It can be all too simple to place the blame on external forces rather than self-defeating actions and attitudes when the journey toward a richer, more enlightened, and more satisfied existence seems to strike obstacle after roadblock.
People frequently have a predisposition to be “their own worst enemy” in life, recreating self-destructive habits repeatedly and producing unsatisfactory results. This tendency might occur deliberately or unconsciously. Consider the numerous ways that people might cause emotional harm to themselves, and assess whether they are, in fact, impeding your own progress toward fulfillment. By promising to quit engaging in the following 25 actions, you can prevent your existence from becoming a self-defeating prophecy.
Self-Destructive Actions you need To Stop immediately For A Better Life
Self-destructive habits are ones that will inevitably cause you bodily or mental harm. It could be accidental. Another possibility is that you are fully aware of what you are doing, but the impulse is too powerful for you to resist.
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There are even more subtle ways to sabotage oneself. You might not be cognizant of it when you’re doing it. Here are few instances:
Self-deprecating, insisting that you are not intelligent capable, or attractive enough, altering yourself to please others, clinging to a person who is not interested in you, acting in an aggressive or alienating manner that drives people away, and maladaptive behaviors such as persistent avoidance, delayed action, and passive aggression.
1. Putting yourself last at all times
Considering the needs of significant others in your life is crucial, but it shouldn’t always come at the expense of your own personal requirements. Make time for yourself occasionally.
2. Being a Victim of Low Self-Esteem
Many people struggle with low self-esteem, and if it is not resolved, this lack of self-assurance may have negative effects on one’s relationships, profession, and mental health. Make a list of all your admirable character attributes to improve your perception of yourself.
3. Stressing Out About Uncontrollable Situations
Although worrying excessively about the economy, international politics, or other people’s behavior is typical, it can have a negative impact on your quality of life. Make a promise to direct your attention to situations over which you have control.
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4. Desperately Trying To Be Perfect
No matter how driven, motivated, and ambitious you are to accomplish your life goals, you will inevitably fall low of perfection because of human fallibility. Never belittle or punish yourself because you are not perfect.
5. Taking others’ criticism personally
Avoiding internalizing the unfavorable remarks and behaviors of certain individuals in your life might be difficult. Encourage yourself to quit this behavior by informing yourself that other people’s problems are not your responsibility.
6. Ignoring Your Body And Mind’s Needs
Stressful conditions can get worse if you don’t take care of your physical and emotional health. Take care of yourself by getting enough sleep, eating well, practicing excellent hygiene, and taking daily herbal, vitamin, and mineral supplements as directed.
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7. Having a Messy Life
Your capacity to lead a calm, focused life is severely hampered if you allow clutter, confusion, and disorganization to take over both your mental and physical space. Make your surroundings more organized, and keep a documented list of what you want to accomplish every day.
8. Taking individuals or things for convenience
Don’t assume that without your expressed gratitude, certain relationships, opportunities, or financial goods would continue to exist in your life. Keep your advantages to yourself and be thankful for what you have.
9. Failing To Be Your True Authentic Self
Sometimes, people act in a manner that are contrary to their genuine inner selves because they are afraid of being judged, criticized, or rejected. Avoid falling into this trap since suppressing your authenticity causes unhappiness.
10. Ignoring issues that need to be addressed
The impulse to put off dealing with any number of issues in life may sound alluring in the moment, but this tactic simply makes problems worse in the long run. As disagreements arise, deal with them directly and constructively.
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11. Remaining in unsuccessful relationships
Your instinct to end a connection that is physically or emotionally violent, tense, or lacking in commitment may be clouded by the fear of being alone. Love yourselves enough to stop these unhealthy patterns.
12. Making Frequent Procrastination Efforts
Although it is a widespread issue, delaying chores that must be completed to support a healthy and profitable existence is manageable. Give yourself a tiny reward each day for completing your work.
13. You Should Never Stand Up For Yourself
Being able to be aggressive when it’s required may suffer if you let individuals make use of your constant passivity. When you come into harsh criticism or an imbalanced power dynamic, confidently defend yourself.
14. Reluctantly Asking for Assistance
When someone may use support from relatives and close friends through a tough time, pride, fear, and the drive for self-protection frequently get in the way. When you find that you are struggling to survive alone, do not be hesitant to ask for help.
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15. Refusing new opportunities because of a fear of failure
Despite the fact that no one enjoys failure, sometimes it is necessary for personal development. It will be worthwhile, whether you succeed or fail, to approach new experiences with this mindset.
16. Ignoring Your Weaknesses
Everyone can develop some facets of their character. Instead of living in denial, acknowledge that you have flaws because admitting them will help you become the best version of yourself.
17. Looking Backward
You cannot fully go on to maximize your present if you are unwilling to forgive yourselves for errors you made when you were younger. Decide to let the past go.
18. Disliking oneself or others
The overwhelming toxin of hate can easily devour you to the extent where you lose the ability to think clearly about other people or circumstances. Work on loving yourself, and show indifference to people that irritate you.
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19. Permitting jealousy or resentment to hold you back
Similar to anger, jealousy and anger are negative emotions that get in the way of achieving total healing. Make an effort to keep other people’s situations out of your aspirations.
20. Excessive Selfishness
Although protecting oneself is a wonderful thing, being so selfish that your needs and wishes are your only priority is not. Keep the value of connections where you provide and get reciprocally in the forefront of your mind.
21. Being self-pitying
When you face a personal setback, allow yourself to feel regret and disappointment, but refrain from plunging into a downward self-pity spiral. As soon as you can, start moving in the direction of exciting new chances.
22. Spending Too Much On Long-Term Goals
Future goals are excellent, but if you spend too much time thinking about where you want to be in five, ten, or fifteen years, you lose the ability to live in the present. While setting goals, be careful.
23. Looking for Verification from Outside Sources
True joy, pleasure, and tranquility must come from inside and not from the desires of other people in your life. Keep telling yourself that you are valuable and vital simply for being you.
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24. Making the decision never to challenge yourself
Although familiarity in a job, relationship, or academic program is pleasant, it can occasionally lead to boredom and stagnation. Engage in minor obstacles occasionally to keep your spirit and mental faculties active.
25. Exhausting yourself by working too much
It’s admirable to lead a busy professional life as long as you avoid overworking yourself to an extent of physical and mental tiredness. Recognize that rest and recovery time are essential for efficient operation.
BEST BOOK – Letting Go of Self-Destructive Behaviors