self-sabotaging
Working against yourself
Self-sabotaging describes behavior that undermines one's own goals or well-being, often unconsciously.
Someone with self-sabotaging tendencies might procrastinate before important deadlines, pick fights when relationships get serious, or find reasons to quit just before success: I know it's self-sabotaging, but I can't stop checking my ex's social media.
The pattern typically stems from fear of failure, success, or intimacy.
Expecting unfavorable outcomes
- insecurityUncertainty about oneself
- inadequacyState of being insufficient
- unworthinessLack of merit
- catastrophizingImagining worst-case outcomes
rumination · defeatism · shame · guilt
Lasting psychological wound
- anxietyPersistent apprehensive distress
- depressionProlonged low state
- abandonmentAct of leaving permanently
Habitual task avoidance
- avoidanceDeliberate keeping away
- overthinkingDwelling excessively on thoughts
- perfectionismCompulsive pursuit of flawlessness
- excusesExplanations offered for faults
denial · impulsivity · overindulgence · isolating · overcommitting · underperforming · negativity · indecision
Reverse in progress
- obstacleSomething blocking the way
- barrierObstruction preventing passage
- limitationBound on extent
- blockadeSealing off a place
roadblock · hurdle · drawback · stagnation · underachievement · regret · isolation · burnout
pessimism
Expecting unfavorable outcomes
- insecurityUncertainty about oneself
- inadequacyState of being insufficient
- unworthinessLack of merit
catastrophizing · rumination · defeatism · shame · guilt
trauma
Lasting psychological wound
- anxietyPersistent apprehensive distress
- depressionProlonged low state
- abandonmentAct of leaving permanently
procrastination
Habitual task avoidance
- avoidanceDeliberate keeping away
- overthinkingDwelling excessively on thoughts
- perfectionismCompulsive pursuit of flawlessness
excuses · denial · impulsivity · overindulgence · isolating · overcommitting · underperforming · negativity · indecision · overspending
setback
Reverse in progress
- obstacleSomething blocking the way
- barrierObstruction preventing passage
- limitationBound on extent
blockade · roadblock · hurdle · drawback · stagnation · underachievement · regret · isolation · burnout
self-sabotagingself-loving
Excessively admiring oneself
self-confident · self-respecting · self-sustaining · self-assured · self-healing
self-sabotagingself-disciplined
Able to control impulses
self-motivated · self-directed · goal-oriented · proactive · constructive
self, sabotage, sabotaged, sabotages, sabotaging, saboteur, saboteurs, selves, selfhood