Are You a Self-Saboteur?

Introduction

Self-sabotage is a common yet often overlooked behavior that can significantly impede personal and professional growth. This article, inspired by Suzanne Falter-Barns' questionnaire, aims to help you identify whether you are a self-saboteur and offers actionable advice to overcome these tendencies.

The Questionnaire

1. How Do You Respond to Offers of Help?

• a) Decline without consideration
• b) Briefly consider but deem it inadequate
• c) Briefly consider but feel it's asking too much
• d) Happily accept

2. How Organized Are You?

• a) Extremely disorganized; can't find essential items
• b) Somewhat organized but lose important notes
• c) Well-organized but fail to act on plans
• d) Highly organized with daily actionable lists

3. What Do You Do with Key Contacts?

• a) Ignore and forget about them
• b) Store them safely but lose them eventually
• c) Leave them untouched on your desk
• d) Contact them within a few days

4. How Do You Handle Opportunities?

• a) Feel uneasy and do nothing
• b) Fall ill
• c) Seize the opportunity after much hassle
• d) Embrace it immediately

5. How Do You View Preparedness?

• a) Silly and unnecessary
• b) Good idea but unlikely to follow through
• c) Smart and occasionally practiced
• d) Critical and always prepared

6. How Do You View Future Success?

• a) Unlikely
• b) Scary but possible
• c) Likely if better organized
• d) Inevitable

7. How Do You Handle Project Completion?

• a) Withdraw and let others finish
• b) Complain and lose interest
• c) Look for the next project
• d) See it through to completion

Scoring and Interpretation

Mostly a) Answers:

You might be content with the status quo, but if you feel a nagging sense of unfulfillment, consider seeking a therapist or life coach.

Mostly b) Answers:

Fear is holding you back. Build a support system including a coach, support group, and regular meditation.

Mostly c) Answers:

You struggle with common fears and doubts. Establish a support group and find a coach or accountability partner.

Mostly d) Answers:

You're on the right track but beware of burnout. Ensure you schedule rest and engaging activities. A coach could help you reach new heights.

Overcoming Self-Sabotage

Build a Support System

• Join a support group: Sharing experiences can provide new perspectives and encouragement.
• Hire a coach: A professional can offer tailored advice and keep you accountable.

Practice Self-Care

• Schedule downtime: Prevent burnout by taking regular breaks.
• Engage in hobbies: Keep your mind stimulated and refreshed.

Stay Organized

• Use digital tools: Apps like Trello or Asana can help you keep track of tasks and deadlines.
• Set daily goals: Break larger projects into manageable tasks.

Interesting Statistics

• Self-Sabotage Prevalence: According to a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, approximately 70% of people engage in self-sabotaging behaviors at some point in their lives (source).
• Impact on Career: A survey by the Harvard Business Review found that 40% of executives believe self-sabotage has significantly hindered their career progression (source).

Conclusion

Identifying and overcoming self-sabotage is crucial for achieving personal and professional success. By understanding your behaviors and implementing strategies to counteract them, you can pave the way for a more fulfilling and successful life.

For more insights and practical advice, check out Suzanne Falter-Barns' ebook, Living Your Joy: How to Find the Time, the Money, and the Energy to Live Your Dream. Sign up for her free ezine, The Joy Letter, for regular inspiration and tips.

©2023 Suzanne Falter-Barns. Reprint permission available by request. Article must be complete and must include all contact information above. Apply to info@howmuchjoy.com