What Is Self-Sabotage and Why Do I Do It?

Self-sabotage describes behaviours that appear to work against your own goals. Examples might include procrastinating when an opportunity appears, repeatedly choosing situations that are unhealthy, abandoning progress when things begin going well or talking yourself out of taking action.
Self-sabotage is often more complicated than simply lacking motivation.
A behaviour that appears destructive on the surface may have developed as a form of emotional protection. Avoiding something can temporarily reduce fear, embarrassment or uncertainty, which reinforces the behaviour.
Understanding the emotional function behind the pattern can be an important first step.
Therapy can help identify the beliefs and emotional responses involved and develop healthier ways of responding to the situations that previously triggered self-sabotage.