Are you tired of starting a weight loss and health journey only to find yourself undermining your own progress and sabotaging your efforts, often unintentionally?
This can manifest in a variety of ways such as:
- Succumbing to cravings— you think “Oh, a little bite won’t hurt.”
- Engaging in negative self-talk— you think “This will never work, it never has.”
- Skipping workouts— “It’s been a long day, I’ll walk tomorrow.”
- Setting unrealistic expectations— “I can lose 20 pounds this month.”
- Constantly doubting yourself and being past-focused— “Thinking I’m just not someone who eats healthy or puts my needs first. I wasn’t brought up that way.”
- Falling back into old, unhealthy habits— “Forget it, I’ve had a setback and I’m not doing this anymore.”
These behaviors create a cycle of frustration, guilt, and a sense of being stuck, preventing individuals from achieving their health goals.
We need to catch ourselves in the moment when these thoughts enter our minds and choose to help ourselves along the way. This will allow us to in order to break free and become our best selves.
Self-sabotage originates from deep-seated beliefs, fears, or past experiences that can undermine your confidence, motivation, and ability to make positive change.
Overcoming self-sabotage requires self-awareness— some people don’t even realize they’re self-sabotaging. How do we become aware? Well, we need to get honest with ourselves— Did you do what you said you were going to do? This requires setting yourself up with a plan and then re-evaluating your plan.
So how do you break free from this cycle of self-sabotage?
One way can be asking yourself “How can I help?”
When you tell yourself, “I don’t want to do that,” ask yourself, “How can I help?” You’ll realize you just need to get it done.
When you tell yourself “I don’t feel like it,” ask yourself, “How can I help?” You’ll realize it’s better to do it even though you don’t feel like doing it. Because the reality is change is uncomfortable, it’s completely normal that you don’t feel like doing it— but you decided you would so you will. That’s being honest with yourself and being true to your commitment to change you’re after.
You do it even though you’re uncomfortable doing it at the moment.
You plan your meals, dedicate time to unwind during the day, create space to connect with your loved ones, make it a priority to move, decide you’re going to get to bed on time and you do it.
You do it even though at the moment you don’t want to do it.
You decide in advance you’re going to do it, and keep your word to yourself.
That’s how you grow and gain health. You choose the momentary discomfort of choosing the higher path for yourself now.
You face the hard that’s in front of you now so that in the future the hard you fear (poor health, crippling arthritis, complications from heart disease) aren’t your reality.
And you don’t have to do it alone. Having professional help and guidance can be a key to your success as well. Together, we can overcome self-sabotage, improve upon our mindset and use the science of obesity medicine to create a healthier and happier tomorrow.
As always, I’m wishing you health and success on your wellness journey. If you’re ready to lose weight, gain health, and transform your well-being schedule a video call here today!
