It is a great feeling of excitement when our efforts have finally paid off and getting what we want. However, the height of this excitement can also bring up mixed emotions and feelings that are valid but detrimental on another level, especially when manifesting what we want.  

For example, suppose you secure an interview for that job or role you have longed for. In that case, you suddenly begin to have a series of self-limiting thoughts alongside the positive, self-affirming beliefs that can sometimes feel like a tug of war in your mind and heart complex. Trying to separate what is real from illusion can cause a mental and emotional drain. The failure script is already in motion before the success arrives – and soon enough, the self-prophesy is fulfilled.

Psychology defines self-sabotage as “when we destroy ourselves physically, mentally, or emotionally or deliberately hinder our success and wellbeing by undermining personal goals and values.” (Brenner, 2019)

Self-sabotage beliefs are elusive. They are not readily available for healing unless they are brought to light using techniques such as journaling or when there is a perceived threat in and around our comfort zones. They often show up when we least expect them, and when we desire something, we decide to get what we want (i.e., during manifestation or at the cusp of manifesting what we want).

Have you ever wondered or experienced yourself on the verge of getting something you desire? What was running through your heart and mind?

Self-Sabotage, when left unchecked

• Limits our perception of Self by promoting limiting self-beliefs and patterns.
• Block our innate truth, preventing us from realising our true potential.
• Prevents honesty to Self by presenting a false perception of ourselves.
• As a distractive program, it diverts from our purpose, values, and goals.
• Inhibits progress towards complete healing and transformation.
• Imbalance in the mental and emotional energy bodies over time may result in psychosomatic issues and physical illness if not addressed.

Self-sabotage may look, sound, or feel like this or something similar:

• This is too good to be true
• I can’t allow myself to be happy. I will get a slap in the face
• If I get it, I will mess it up
• An unexplainable fear and phobia
• An unpleasant sensation or feeling in the heart or gut area
• I am not good enough to be it or to have this
• I am not deserving of it
• It’s impossible
• It’s too hard
• I am not very good at this
• Hope it happens soon
• Feeling like you are cursed or being punished by a superior being
• Fear of acting towards achieving the goal due to the perception of failure

Addressing Self-sabotage

If not addressed, self-sabotage can be distractive to manifesting what we want, especially when they are contrary and limit our ability to make continuous progress on our personal spiritual development. Awareness is the first principle of healing toward a positive transformation.

A few suggestions for spotting and addressing self-sabotage:

• Make time to explore and spot self-sabotage patterns.
• Visualise a dream come true, taking note of any triggered emotion and feeling.
• Test your comfort zone by regularly doing something new.
• Our surrounding is a good trigger of feelings and emotions. Pay attention to them.
• Breathwork and bodywork (e., Yoga) help to release self-sabotage.