We all have inner saboteurs, deeply ingrained patterns and beliefs we developed early in life. These saboteurs were once survival strategies. Today, they often do more harm than good.

your brain > the ultimate computer

Think of your brain as a powerful computer. Before the age of seven, you're constantly downloading software, the behaviors, beliefs, and patterns you observe in your environment. The problem is that the part of your brain that can critically evaluate these programs, your analytical brain, isn't fully developed yet.

As a result, you absorb everything unfiltered, the good and the bad. Much of what drives your adult choices, more than most people realize, was shaped before your analytical brain could weigh in on it at all. And a meaningful share of those early downloads don't work in your favor anymore. They actively get in your way.

In essence, you're running on outdated software. But here's the good news: you have the power to reprogram your computer. The first step to overcoming self-sabotage is recognizing which saboteur is running your life.

typical self sabotage types

Let's explore some common self-saboteur archetypes. Each has its strengths, after all, they were once strategies for survival. But today, these strategies are outdated, and their pitfalls far outweigh their benefits.

• The superior: believes they are better than others, leading to arrogance and isolation.
• The knowledge junkie: is stuck in a knowledge accumulation loop, believing they still need that one extra book/course/network event to be successful, delaying taking action and achieving their goals.
• The entertainer: strives for harmony and fun, but struggles with being taken seriously.
• The perfectionist: strives for flawlessness, but fears failure and criticism.
• The controller: craves order and predictability, but struggles with flexibility and delegation.
• The avoider: avoids conflict and discomfort, but misses opportunities for growth and connection.
• The overthinker: analyzes everything excessively, leading to paralysis and indecision.
• The pleaser: puts others' needs first, but neglects their own and struggles with boundaries.
• The hyper-rational: prioritizes logic and analysis, but struggles with emotions and intuition, missing out on deeper connections and creative solutions.
• The victim: feels helpless and powerless, but avoids taking responsibility and risks.
• The restless: craves excitement and novelty, but struggles with commitment and follow-through, leading to (many) unfinished projects.
• The hyper-achiever: driven by success and recognition, but neglects relationships and depends on other people's approval.
• The self-doubter: lacks confidence and self-belief, and avoids challenges and opportunities.
• The procrastinator: delays and avoids tasks, leading to a lot of stress and decreased productivity.

which of these saboteurs resonate with you?

We all have a mix of these tendencies. Once you recognize your dominant sabotage patterns, you can challenge its outdated beliefs and develop more effective coping mechanisms. This process takes time and effort, but the rewards are immense.

Curious why a saboteur like this took hold in the first place? Origin, Imprint, Expression - the Anatomy of Self-Sabotage will help you understand where a pattern like this actually comes from. 

Explore The 5-Step Activation Journey if you're ready to work through it directly or just get in touch.