Kore Kast

Breaking Free: Overcoming Self-Defeating Behaviors and Achieving Your Goals

October 10, 2023 Kris Harris Season 2 Episode 3
Kore Kast
Breaking Free: Overcoming Self-Defeating Behaviors and Achieving Your Goals
Show Notes Transcript

Do you ever find yourself in a cycle of self-sabotage, halting your progression towards personal goals? This captivating episode of Kore Kast, hosted by certified personal trainer and Pilates instructor Kris Harris, is designed to dismantle the complexities of self-defeating behaviors. Kris uses his 17 years of experience to shed light on the impacts of self-doubt and faltering confidence on our overall well-being, from mental health to career progression, and interpersonal relationships. He guides you through a journey of self-discovery, revealing the most common self-defeating behaviors and providing powerful strategies to overcome them.

In this episode, Kris delves into the depths of behaviors like avoidance, perfectionism, and fear of failure. Drawing from his vast experience, he provides practical strategies to break free from these self-imposed barriers. Listen in and discover how self-defeating behaviors can become your worst enemies, often running on a loop like a broken record in your mind and preventing a healthy mindset. Through the exploration of research and statistics, Kris highlights the significant impacts of self-doubt and confidence on various aspects of life. Get ready to break free from these self-imposed limitations and set out on the path to achieving your goals and becoming the best version of yourself.

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Kris Harris:

Hello and welcome to this week's episode of the Kore Kast. I'm your host, Kris Harris, and I'm a certified personal trainer and Pilates instructor who's been working with clients to improve their strength, overcome injury and meet their fitness goals for over 17 years. I want to share what I've learned through my experience with you. Have you ever struggled with self-defeating behavior? We all have experienced moments in our lives where we find ourselves caught in a web of self-defeating behaviors. It's that frustrating cycle where we know what we want to achieve, yet somehow we manage to sabotage our own efforts. Whether it's supercrustination, negative self-talk or a fear of failure, these behaviors can hold us back from reaching our true potential, but the good news is that we have the power to break free from this self-imposed prison. In this episode, we will explore the depths of self-defeating behavior, uncover its roots and discover practical strategies to overcome it. Get ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment as we navigate the path towards achieving our goals.

Kris Harris:

Self-defeating behaviors are behaviors that move you away from the goals that you have set for yourself. These behaviors can cause us to feel bad about ourselves and can sabotage us from reaching our goals. This behavior can be any behavior that typically results in something that you don't want to happen, although, even when the desired goal happens, that goal causes more bad things than good. This is also a self-defeating behavior. Self-defeating behaviors can turn out to be your own worst enemy. It's like a recording playing in your head, saying things like I'm not good enough or why did I say or do that? These thoughts and behaviors can prevent us from focusing on a healthy mindset.

Kris Harris:

Self-doubt and confidence can have significant impacts on various aspects of an individual's life. Here's some statistics that highlight the effects of self-doubt and confidence In careers career success. According to a study conducted by the University of California, self-doubt can hinder career progression. Individuals who doubt their abilities are less likely to take on challenging assignments, seek promotions or negotiate for higher salaries. On the other hand, confident individuals are more likely to pursue those opportunities, take risks and achieve career success. When it comes to mental health, self-doubt is closely linked to those mental health issues. Research from the University of Basel found that individuals with higher levels of self-doubt are more prone to anxiety and depression. Conversely, confidence is associated with better mental well-being, resilience and lower levels of stress. Relationships self-doubt can negatively impact relationships. A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that individuals who doubt themselves are more likely to experience relationship dissatisfaction and have difficulties with trust and intimacy. Confidence, on the other hand, contributes to healthier relationships and effective communication Goal Achievement. Self-doubt can hinder goal achievement. A study conducted by the University of New South Wales found that individuals with low confidence were less likely to set ambitious goals and persist in the face of challenges. Conversely, confidence plays a crucial role in setting and achieving goals, as it enhances motivation, resilience and the belief in one's abilities Overall well-being. Confidence can positively affect overall well-being. Research from the University of Melbourne showed that individuals at higher levels of self-confidence reported higher life satisfaction, happiness and overall well-being. On the other hand, self-doubt is associated with lower self-esteem, reduced quality of life and decreased overall satisfaction. So these statistics just highlight the significant impact of self-doubt and confidence on various aspects of life. Building self-confidence and overcoming self-doubt can lead to improved mental health, career success, healthier relationships, goal achievement and overall well-being.

Kris Harris:

So we're gonna take a look at some common types of self-defeating behaviors. One of them is avoidance, and avoidance occurs when a person dodges certain people or situations to prevent feelings of hurt or pain. Another one is perfectionism, that's, that desire to do something 100%, perfectly 100% of the time, and that's impossible. People tend to avoid situations that will make them appear less than perfect in the eyes of others, and perfectionism is a tendency to set excessively high standards for oneself and obsess over flawless performance. While it may seem like a positive trait, it often leads to self-criticism, fear of failure and an inability to accept mistakes or imperfections. Another one is hiding. This can happen when a person is ashamed or embarrassed about showing their true self. They may try to cover up certain parts of their behavior, such as personality or appearance. Hiding behaviors may help a person to feel like they fit in with someone. Passive people they tend to show passive behaviors and believe that others around them are more worthy and do not stand up for their own rights. They will stay away from tension, avoid confrontation and tend to apologize without any reason. A big one is procrastination. This is the act of delaying or putting off important tasks or responsibilities, often resulting in increased stress and decreased productivity, and it can stem from that fear of failure, perfectionism or just a lack of motivation.

Kris Harris:

Negative self-talk that's a big one too. This behavior involves constantly criticizing and belittling oneself, leading to low self-esteem and a negative mindset. It can include thoughts such as I'm not good enough or I always mess things up, which can hinder personal growth and success. Self-sabotage that one involves consciously or unconsciously undermining one's own progress or success, and this can manifest in various ways, such as procrastinating, engaging in self-destructive behaviors or pushing away opportunities due to fear or self-doubt. People-pleasing this behavior revolves around constantly seeking approval and validation from others at the expense of one's own needs and desires. People-pleasers often find it difficult to say no or set boundaries, leading to feelings of resentment, stress and a lack of fulfillment. Fear of failure Big one this behavior involves an intense fear of making mistakes and failing, which can paralyze individuals and prevent them from taking risks and pursuing their goals. This fear can limit personal growth and hinder the development of resilience and perseverance.

Kris Harris:

Having a negative mindset that involves consistently focusing on problems, difficulties and limitations, rather than seeking solutions and opportunities. It can lead to pessimism, self-doubt, lack of motivation, which makes it really difficult to achieve success and happiness. Comparison Constantly comparing oneself to others, especially in terms of achievements, appearance or social status, is a really big self-defeating behavior. This mindset can lead to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem and a disordered perception of one's own worth and capabilities. Self-isolation, defeating oneself from social interactions and relationships due to fear or rejection or judgment is a self-defeating behavior, and it can lead to loneliness, limited support systems and missed opportunities for personal and professional growth. It's really important to note that, while these behaviors may be common, they are not permanent or insurmountable. With self-awareness, self-reflection and the implementation of effective strategies, individuals can overcome these self-defeating behaviors and cultivate a healthier and more fulfilling life.

Kris Harris:

So we're going to take a little bit of a deeper look at the roots of self-defeating behavior. They can vary from person to person, but there are some common underlying factors that contribute to these patterns. Some of the key roots include low self-esteem. A lack of self-worth and confidence can lead to self-defeating behaviors, as individuals may not believe that they are capable of achieving success or deserving of happiness. Negative experiences in the past, such as childhood trauma or criticism, can contribute to low self-esteem. That big fear of failure we talked about, fear of failure can be a really powerful motivator for self-defeating behavior. This fear may stem from past failures, a need for perfectionism or a desire to avoid disappointment or judgment from others. It can also lead individuals to avoid taking risks and pursuing their goals.

Kris Harris:

Negative beliefs and thought patterns, those negative beliefs about oneself, I'm not good enough or I'm a failure, really contribute to self-defeating behavior. These beliefs can be ingrained through past experiences or internalized from external influences such as societal pressures or critical individuals Having that lack of self-awareness, so those self-defeating behaviors can be automatic or unconscious responses to certain triggers or situations. Without self-awareness, individuals may not realize that the patterns they engage in or the negative consequences that they bring about this lack of awareness can perpetuate self-defeating behaviors. Another one is learned behaviors. Self-defeating behaviors can be learned from observing others or from past experiences. For example, if a person grew up in an environment where self-sabotage or negative self-talk was prevalent, they may adopt similar behaviors unconsciously.

Kris Harris:

Emotional factors, emotions such as fear, anxiety or self-doubt can contribute to self-defeating behavior. These emotions may be triggered by past traumas, current stressors or negative self-perceptions. Engaging in self-defeating behaviors can sometimes serve as a way to cope with or avoid these uncomfortable emotions. Having that lack of coping skills, some individuals may not have developed healthy coping mechanisms or problem-solving skills, which can lead to self-defeating behaviors as a way to manage stress or difficult situations. Without effective strategies for dealing with challenges, individuals may resort to self-destructive patterns. So it's important to remember that self-defeating behaviors are not inherent or fixed traits. They can be unlearned and replaced with healthier patterns through self-reflection, therapy, support systems and personal growth.

Kris Harris:

So we're going to discuss some practical strategies to overcome self-defeating behavior. It requires effort and it requires self-reflection in the development of new habits. Some practical strategies that we're going to talk about include increasing self-awareness. Paying attention to your thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Noticing patterns of self-sabotage or self-defeating thoughts. Try keeping a journal or using a self-reflection app that can help you track and identify these patterns.

Kris Harris:

Challenge negative beliefs Really important to question and challenge the negative beliefs that contribute to that self-defeating behavior. Replace them with more positive and realistic thoughts. Practice affirmations or seek professional help, such as therapy or counseling, to help reflame those negative beliefs. Set realistic goals. Break down your goals into smaller and achievable steps. This will help that feeling of being overwhelmed and reduces the likelihood of self-sabotage. Celebrate those small victories along the way to boost your confidence and motivation.

Kris Harris:

Big one here is developing healthy coping mechanisms. Find healthy ways to cope with stress, challenges and negative emotions. This can include activities such as exercise, meditation, deep breathing, journaling or talking to a trusted friend or therapist. Experiment with different techniques to find out what works best for you. A big one, too, is practicing self-compassion. Treat yourself with kindness and understanding. Replace self-criticism with self-compassion. Acknowledge that everyone makes mistakes and that setbacks are a normal part of the learning process. Treat yourself as you would treat a friend who is going through a difficult time. Surround yourself with positive influences. You want to have supportive people and positive people who believe in your abilities. Limit exposure to negative influences or toxic relationships that may reinforce self-defeating behavior. Seeking professional help Consider seeing a professional or therapist or counselor who can help provide and guide and support and give you tools to overcome that self-defeating. They can help you to explore underlying issues and develop tailored strategies for your specific situation.

Kris Harris:

Really big one here. Practice self-care. Prioritizing self-care activities that promote physical, emotional and mental well-being is really important. This can include getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, engaging in hobbies, practicing relaxation techniques and taking that really important time for yourself. Remember that overcoming self-defeating behavior takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself and celebrate your progress along the way. It can also be helpful to seek support from your friends, family or support groups, which can provide that encouragement and accountability. So thank you for watching.

Kris Harris:

I want to talk a little bit more about the role of exercise in helping to overcome self-defeating behavior. Exercise can play a pivotal role in overcoming self-defeating behaviors. It provides that powerful tool for personal growth and transformation. Engaging in regular physical activity not only strengthens our body, but also enhances our mental and emotional well-being. When we exercise, our brain releases endorphins they're commonly known as those feel-good hormones, which boost our mood and reduce stress levels. This natural high helps to combat negative thinking patterns and self-destructive behaviors by promoting a more positive and optimistic mindset. Furthermore, exercise offers a productive outlet for channeling our energy, allowing us to release tension and frustration in a healthy and constructive way. Through physical activity, we cultivate discipline, perseverance and resilience, which are essential qualities for overcoming self-defeating behaviors and achieving our personal growth.

Kris Harris:

There are several forms of exercise that are particularly effective in helping overcome that self-defeating behavior and helping to foster personal growth. One such exercise is yoga, which combines physical movement with mindfulness and breath control. Yoga also helps to cultivate self-awareness, promotes inner peace and fosters a sense of acceptance and self-compassion. Another beneficial form of exercise is strength training, which not only improves physical strength, but it improves confidence and self-esteem. By setting and achieving fitness goals, individuals can experience a sense of accomplishment and develop a positive self-image. Additionally, aerobic exercises like running, swimming or cycling increases cardiovascular fitness and releases endorphins, providing that outlet for stress and anxiety while promoting mental clarity and emotional stability. Ultimately, the best form of exercise to overcome self-defeating behaviors is one that resonates with an individual's interests and preferences, as this will increase the likelihood of long-term commitment and enjoyment.

Kris Harris:

So I really like this following quote. It exemplifies what we've discussed today. It's not what we say out loud that really determines our lives. It's what we whisper to ourselves that has the most power. Remember, you are the only person that you need to be good enough for. Overcoming negative self-talk and implementing some of the strategies that we have discussed today will empower you to reach your goals. You can do it. Believe in yourself. Thanks so much for joining me today for this week's episode of the Kore Kast. Join us next week for another amazing episode. Make sure to check out our website, www. K ore-fit. com and that's Kore with a K for great information about fitness, health and wellness, pilates and more. Subscribe to the Kore Kast channel for an awesome workout library at your fingertips and you can try a week for free on us. Make sure to follow us on Instagram at @Kore-fitness-az and again, that's Kore with a K. And if you're enjoying the podcast, please consider donating to help support the work that we do in need. Under the description, I will see you next week. Thanks for joining me.