Your Own Worst Enemy - Part Three

<p>This section is going to take a look at the ten different self-defeating behaviors listed in the introduction. As you saw in the last chapter, there could be other items which are also self-defeating behaviors as well, so don't think by any means what follows is a definitive list. </p> <p>These are only a few of the most common, looked at in more detail to help train you in what to look for.</p> <p><b>How can you tell if something you're doing is self-defeating?</b></p> <p><b>Pay Attention</b></p> <p>Self-awareness is truly the first step to understanding self-defeating behaviors. If you feel like you're not achieving in the way you ought to, or think somehow you might be holding back; it's time to stop and think about what's going on.</p> <p>What are the thoughts which preceded this action? What do you think should have happened instead? </p> <p><b>Recognize the Traits Involved</b></p> <p>What can get confusing is how sometimes self-defeating behaviors cluster in groups. For example, you might be avoiding risk by procrastinating. Ask yourself, in what ways are you holding back? </p> <p><b>Look for the Root Cause</b></p> <p>Where behavior is concerned, there is always a reason for every action. Think about this. What's going on here? What are you afraid of? </p> <p><b>What do you think will happen? </b></p> <p>These questions will come up again and again as you explore each of the self-defeating behaviors. Don't let these things overwhelm you. </p> <p>This is all part of better understanding yourself as you walk this journey's path.<b> </b></p> <p><b>Procrastination</b></p> <p><b>What does it mean to Procrastinate?</b></p> <p>Put simply; procrastination deals with putting something off until later what you should be doing right now. But is procrastination a time management issue, or is there something else going on entirely? </p> <p>The problem with procrastination is it might be a signal for a deeper issue. For example, if you're worried about a project because you are unsure how to proce