7 ways to be mentally strong and prevent self-sabotage.

The inner critique is a powerful adversary that’s capable of inflicting irreparable harm on our ambitions.

It’s a battle between our conscious and sub conscious mind.

The conscious mind understands the importance of better habits, mindset, discipline and hard work.?The sub conscious mind works relentlessly to convince us that short cuts and bad decisions are the better alternative.

The sub conscious mind has good intentions.?It’s original design prevented pain and managed fear.?It worked great when we were preyed upon by dinosaurs, but hasn’t adapted well to modern challenges, which are largely imagined.

So how can we release the power of our conscious mind and become "mentally stronger" in the process?

"Self sabotage is when we say we want something and then do about making sure it doesn't happen". Alyce Cornyn Selby

Here are 7 steps that can help prevent self-sabotage:

The knowledge

Many of us have adopted self-destructive behaviors that nullify any attempt to embrace better habits.?These mental obstacles prevent success and impede happiness, and most of us don’t even realize what’s happening. ?Self-sabotage occurs when these “mental barriers” inhibit success by keeping us from achieving our goals.?We play it safe, we miss obvious opportunities, or fail to recognize what’s hurting us.?Awareness is the first step toward having a breakthrough.

The signs

The first step toward breaking the cycle is to recognize some common signs.?Procrastination, negative self-talk, and perfectionism are warning signs that the self-critic is flexing its mental muscle.?Instead of getting things done, we put things off.?Instead of speaking to ourselves with love and compassion, we castigate ourselves with impunity.?Instead of realizing a job well done is better than perfection, we strive to be perfect at the expense of getting started.?

The cause

Many of us embrace unhealthy methods of coping with stress.?Self-care suffers as we embrace easy alternatives to exercise, discipline, and positive self-talk.?In addition, we react to situations and allow stress to increase.?Instead, we need to recognize the pattern and appreciate much of this mindset is the product of low self-worth.?Don’t let a negative mindset of limitation impose barriers on our potential by convincing us the goal isn’t possible.???

"But I do nothing upon myself, and yet I am my own executioner" John Donne

The process

It takes effort and commitment to appreciate the impact of the sub conscious mind.?Gaining deeper insight into destructive patterns will help us institute better habits that regulate this insidious tendency.?By carefully contemplating our choices, making good decisions, and acting we can diffuse the impact of the sub conscious mind.?It’s a process that leads to permanent change and transformation.

The voice within

For many people fear is driven by a damaging internal discourse that leads to bad decisions.?We believe the inner critic and lend credibility to it’s specious claims of “not being good enough”.??We believe we don’t deserve happiness or success because we fear failure.?Recognizing this unhealthy tendency and beginning to treat ourselves with more love and compassion cultivates a new conversation that builds confidence and hope.

The change

Awareness and practicing the process leads to fundamental change.?Triggers and patterns of predictable self-sabotage is a great place to start.?If you want to rededicate yourself to better health, start creating new habits that promote living a healthier lifestyle.?Pick one thing at a time and start the process of making permanent change.?Don’t worry about running a marathon before you run around the block.?Small steps matter.?When the goal is too ominous it’s easy to get discouraged.?The goal is to build momentum and confidence!

The plan

Uncertainty can hurl good intentions into disarray.?Fear of the unknown can be debilitating and inhibit progress.?When we stumble, those setbacks make us feel incompetent and incapable.?The best way to push through these hurdles.?Devise a plan.?Concrete plans are required for progress in life, and we must be adamant about adhering to our strategy.?Having a plan gives a roadmap for action.?One step at a time we can obliterate self-sabotage.

"We need to ascend beyond our own petty resistance, our own negative self-judgement and self-sabotage, our own I am not worthy mind set." Steve Pressfield

Sum it up.

Have you ever sabotaged your own success??Share your thoughts in the comments section and please like and share this article. I love learning from you as well.

About Steve:

Steve Wohlenhaus is CEO of Weatherology, the leading company in the world at disseminating audio weather information.??Steve began his career as a major market television weather anchor in Minneapolis, where he received several Emmy Awards for science programming.?Steve is an author and host of the podcast program Anatomy of Success.?Reach out and connect with me on LinkedIn and my other social media platforms.?Check out our new YouTube channel for the latest episode of our video podcast. Learn more about my work and grab the free Weatherology mobile app by clicking any picture in this article!