This post is all about how to overcome self-sabotage through a Christian perspective. Especially as it pertains to your wellness goals and body image struggles.
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning Iāll receive a commission if you purchase through my link at no extra cost. Please read the full disclosure here!
Have you ever wonderedā¦ What is self-sabotage?
Do you ever feel like youāre your own worst enemy when it comes to your body image and eating habits?
Me too! Self-sabotage is like an inner enemy that torments women ā of all ages.
Causing you to experience frustration, discouragement, and hopelessness. As a Christian who has personally struggled with self-sabotage, Iām very familiar with those feelings, and I understand how challenging it can be.
However, thereās hope, my beautiful friend. And with Godās help, you can overcome it. My prayer is that by the end of this post, youāll learn how to overcome self-sabotage through a Christian perspective. And trust Him to guide you to take that first ā sometimes scary ā step toward freedom.
Today, you have a front-row seat ā youāre going to learn: What is self-sabotage? Why do we self-sabotage? The answers every Christian woman should know about.
Debilitating Self-Sabotageā¦ How to Overcome Self-Sabotage Through a Christian Perspective
What is Self-Sabotage?
Youāve probably heard of self-sabotage and think itās a harsh term.
Sadly, self sabotage is something we do to ourselves way too often!
And you need to understand what something is if you want to improve, right?
So letās define self-sabotageā¦
Self-sabotage is when you act against your own best interests, hurting your mental health, physical health, or emotional health and blocking your goals.
It can be a conscious choiceā¦
Hereās an example of conscious self-sabotage:
- Like binge-watching TV when you struggle with time management.
Or an unconscious actionā¦
Hereās an example of unconscious self-sabotage:
- Like overcommitting to others and neglecting your own needs without realizing it.
And then thereās cognitive dissonanceā¦
Cognitive dissonance happens when you feel uncomfortable because your actions and words donāt match your core beliefs.
- To ease this discomfort, you might change your behavior, thoughts, or even your goals.
Itās a self-destructive pattern that can show up in many waysā¦
It can look like this:
- procrastination
- negative self-talk
- substance abuse
- engaging in harmful relationships
- disorganization
- perfectionism
- indecisiveness
- low self-esteem
- imposter syndrome
Itās a Coping Mechanismā¦
You use it to cope with your feelings of shame, guilt, and unworthiness that usually tag along with body image and eating struggles.
Itās a constant battle and a vicious cycleā¦
And the cycle goes like this:
First, your negative emotions lead to self-destructive behaviorsā¦
Then, they exacerbate those negative emotions.
So, maybe you feel guilty about eating something. And that guilt leads you to restrict your diet. However, restricting that āthingā you enjoy eating can lead to an intense craving and maybe bingingā¦
Which only reinforces your negative self-image and feelings of guilt. Iām not gonna lie, this vicious cycle can be challenging to break. And it takes a good amount of grace and self-compassion to overcome.
The good news is that thereās hope, my beautiful friend!
With Godās power and the strength of grace ā you can overcome negative behavior patterns and negative thoughts š
Self-Sabotage Example
Living with self-sabotage is similar to walking with a purse full of weights.
Youāre not used to that extra weight, so ā it slows you downā¦
That extra weight (self-sabotage) makes it harder for you to get to your destination ā your freedom from self-sabotage.
But hereās the thingā¦
You donāt have to walk with that heavy backpack ā the first solid step you can take to experience freedom is putting down the backpackā¦
Surrender it to the throne of grace ā where Jesus Christ is waiting to help you get out of your own way.
Overcome Your Body Image Strugglesā¦
Download your FREE 18-page āBody Image Redefined Fast Trackā so you can begin your life-transforming journey toward self-acceptance and embrace your identity as a cherished daughter of God TODAY!
Surrendering your battles to God and trusting that He is the One who fights your battles is a solid step toward freedom. Donāt let self-sabotage hold you back any longer. Godās got you!
So, how do you know if youāre self-sabotaging?
Hereās a list of self-sabotaging patternsā¦
9 Self-Sabotage Behaviors
Itās super important that you recognize if youāre self-sabotaging.
So here are some of the most common signs or symptoms of self-sabotageā¦
- you have a tendency to start a project or set a personal goal, but you struggle to see it through
- you procrastinate ā put things off til the last minute
- you engage in self-defeating behaviors like overeating, overspending, or drug abuse
- you avoid taking risks or trying new things because you fear failure and rejection
- you struggle accepting complimentsā¦
- you neglect your health
- you stay in a job that makes you unhappy
- you keep toxic people in your life
- you try to make everyone happy to avoid conflict (I can 100% relateā¦)
Did any of these signs or symptoms of self-sabotage seem familiar?
If they did ā itās likely youāre self-sabotaging.
But WHY do I self-sabotage???
Understanding the Root Cause of Self-Sabotage
So, why do we get in the way of our own success?
Well, thatās a simple question with a highly complex answerā¦ (just like God made you ā unique and complex š).
And the root causes of self-sabotage will vary from person to person.
But I broke it down for you in easy-to-digest points.
Here they areā¦
1. Fear of failure and fear of success
- According to positive psychology, itās common for insecurities and self-limiting beliefs to surface when approaching your deepest personal desires. Because in your subconscious mind ā youāre afraid of success, failure, rejection, or the unknown. Itās like a defense mechanismā¦
- Your past experiences make you have low self-confidence in your ability to succeed. So what you do is unconsciously sabotage your efforts to succeed to protect yourself from the pain of failure.
- And believe it or not, the idea of reaching your goal can be terrifyingā¦ it means that you have to step out of your comfort zone and face the unknown. and that in and of itself can make your stomach turn š³.
But the truth is failure is such a natural part of learning and growingā¦ Sometimes God allows you to quote-unquote fail so you can turn to Him ā for direction, strength, healing, and growth.
2. Low Self-Worth
This one, sadly, is pretty straightforwardā¦
Unfortunately, you just arenāt able to grasp the belief that good things can be a part of your story ā that you deserve to be happy or successful.
š Explore Related Posts š
The Power of Strength Training: From Self-Sabotage to Self-Love
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3. Past Trauma
Self-sabotaging behaviors can stem from your early years ā childhood experiences.
Perhaps you experienced a series of traumatizing events or abuseā¦
First of all, letās pause and acknowledge that it did happen. And I am SO sorry that it happened to you š.
Take away the enemyās power over your trauma!
The absolute best thing you can do is to take that deep emotional oozing wound to the throne of grace. And surrender it to Christ.
He bore your painā¦ You donāt have to carry it any longer.
Ask Him to heal your heart and transform your mind. Heās your Creator ā He can mend your broken pieces ā for your benefit and for His glory!
The word of God saysā¦
(which leads us to number fourā¦)
4. Negative Programming
This is when youāre conditioned to believe something that is not true.
Hereās an exampleā¦
Self-sabotaging is not your fault!
In many cases, itās because people who didnāt know any better told youā¦
- you canāt do thatā¦
- youāre not smart enoughā¦
- youāre a girl ā youāre not supposed to do thatā¦
- thatās just how you are.
But guess what?
Those are all big fat lies!
Now that youāre aware ā you can tap into Godās powerful and transforming grace ā become free, and live a more fulfilling life.
Give Christ the chance to search and heal those hidden-tender places that need His healing touchā¦
(Learn how to rewire your brain through NEUROPLASTICITY)
5. Negative Self-Talk
How many times have you heard that inner voice that tells you
- Iām not good enoughā¦
- Iām not smart enoughā¦
- Iām not pretty enoughā¦
- Iām not worthy enoughā¦
What a debilitating feeling š
Listenā¦ in Christ, you are good, smart, pretty, worthy, and all of those beautiful things!
You know why? Because your identity is in Him. And in Him, ALL things are good.
So ask Godā¦
How to Overcome Self-Sabotage Through a Christian Perspective
So far, youāve learned what self-sabotage is, you saw a self-sabotage example, plus a list of self-sabotage behaviors ā and youāre one step closer to understanding the root cause of self-sabotageā¦
Now itās time to learn about overcoming self-sabotage through a Christian perspective.
As a Christian woman, you have direct access to the throne of graceā¦
Aaaand to powerful resources that, when coupled with Godās strength, prayer, and wisdom, you can:
- learn to overcome your fearsā¦
- work on improving your low self-worthā¦
- transform your mind from negative programmingā¦
- heal from past traumasā¦
- challenge negative self-talkā¦
6 Practical Tips to Overcome Self-Sabotage
1. Go to Godā¦
Like, really go to God ā seek His guidance, grace, and strength to undertake this transformative journey.
Then make a list of the self-sabotaging behaviors you identify with in this post.
When you identify your limiting beliefs, you can take your toxic thoughtsā¦ bring them into alignment with Godās truth.
Proverbs 23:7 tells us that as we think in our hearts, so we are.
2. Surrender your fearsā¦
Another defining action. you can take is to surrender your fears and doubts to God. Trust that He has a plan for your life and that His plan is good and perfect.
3. Renew your mindā¦
Renew your mind with Godās truth. This means that you replace negative information with positive affirmations and self-talk. Seek Godās wisdom through prayer, reading the Word, attending womenās Bible study groupsā¦
4. Community supportā¦
Itās super important to talk about your struggles with another spiritually mature Christian woman, a leader at church, a like-minded individual, or a therapist who encourages you as you walk through your transformative journey.
š Recommended Resources š
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning Iāll receive a commission if you purchase through my link at no extra cost. Please read the full disclosure here!
Check out all of the FREE Body Image Related Resources here!
Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presenceā by Sarah Young
Grace for the Good Girl: Letting Go of the Try-Hard Lifeā by Emily P. Freeman
NLT Thrive Devotional Bible For Women
This FREE Resource can be super helpful too: Body Image Redefined A powerful 18-page fast-track guide designed exclusively for Christian women like you ā ready to start your journey to overcoming your body image struggles TODAY!
5. Practice self-compassionā¦
Overall, self-sabotage can be a frustrating and debilitating behavioral pattern. But you can break free from the cycle of self-sabotage.
Treat yourself to self-care days (or even a few minutes a day). Practice kindness, understanding, patience, and forgiveness.
Embrace your uniqueness and value yourself as Godās precious daughter!
Youāre not alone in this journeyā¦ God is with you every step of the way. So trust Him and allow Him to renew your mind and to love you well.
30-Day Digital Self-Love Journal
Grab your ā30-Day Digital Self-Love Journalā and begin your life-transforming journey toward self-acceptance and embrace your identity as a cherished daughter of God TODAY!
6. Set realistic goalsā¦
There are 18 inches between your head and your heart, but a lifelong worth of self-defeating behavior.
So, my beautiful friend, setting realistic goals can help you avoid the very thing you want to overcome ā self-sabotage.
The first step toward your transformational journey is taking that first step. Act today! Pick one of these tips to begin with and take that first leap! Donāt let the enemyās lies hold you back from your journey to overcoming self-sabotage.
With God, youāve got this! š
This post was all about giving you a Christian perspective and some tips so you can overcome self-sabotage.
I hope my years of battling with self-worth and how God has transformed my heart will inspire you!
Continue to explore all my posts ā written with love and the Holy Spiritās guidance ā just for you!
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Thanks for being here. Remember, you are loved, precious, and wonderfully madeā¦