Are You Self Sabotaging?
There are so many different facets when it comes to creating significant change with your health and fitness. Not only are you battling external factors in order to achieve your result (exercising, controlling your food intake, navigating your circle of influence) but there can be a huge internal battle going on that will derail your attempts to lose fat/get fitter or stronger…whatever the goal might be. This is something that is often not addressed because the focus tends to be on getting those external factors right.
Are you struggling to lose the last few kilos after dropping a large amount of weight?
Do you find yourself engaging in behaviours that you know aren't going to get you to your goal?
Are you frustrated with yourself for doing so?
Is there, perhaps, a little voice in your head saying "I don't deserve this. Who do you think you are?"
It could be that you are sabotaging your efforts because deep down you feel like you are unworthy of achieving that goal. This is not an uncommon occurrence especially when it comes to large amounts of weight loss. Often your mindset can be left where it was when you started and it struggles to catch up to where you are now so those old habits can creep back in. You might not even realise that it's happening or why it is happening.
What can you do about it?
I think a good first step is to identify and understand why you are self-sabotaging. Obviously, everyone will have their own demons going on and if you don't identify it/figure it out then it's going to be very hard for you to maintain that change long term. This may require talking to a professional who can help you uncover what's going on and work through it.
Try to break the pattern of negative internal dialogue. Again, working with a professional will be really helpful in this scenario but a couple of options are:
- Keep a gratitude diary - Write down 3 things every day that you are grateful for.
- Focus on your behaviours rather than the outcome. You don't really have any control over what the scales will say on weigh in day but you have full control over your actions that will get you that result at the end of the day.
- Recognise that you are a good person as you are right now. You are good enough, you are amazing! Focus on progress, not perfection. Give yourself a break, show yourself some compassion. Dropping that kilo this week is not the defining factor of your own self worth.
Don't be afraid to reach out and ask for help. This stuff is challenging but recognising it and getting on top of it will reap huge benefits.
*Disclaimer: Individual results vary based on agreed goals. Click here for details.
