When You Are Your Own Worst Enemy

There are many times when we will set a personal goal and find ourselves self-sabotaging that goal. The behavior will be obvious to everyone but the person engaged in the self-destructive choices. There are many ways that we accomplish this by denial, brooding, jealousy, fear of feedback, and procrastination. Jay Jackman, M.D. a psychiatrist and career consultant states, "We unconsciously respond to stressful situations in ways that hurt us." Jackman gives several suggestions on how to confront being our own worst enemy.

• Denial - Confront the issue and create a plan that will gradually present the results you are wanting.
• Brooding - Don't waste time brooding. It can cause anxiety and depression which will leave you emotionally paralyzed. You can journal to identify your concerns and then visualize a positive outcome for yourself.
• Fear of Feedback - Receive feedback with an open mind. If you receive more positive feedback than negative feedback you are probably on the right track.
• Procrastination - Putting things off can keep you from doing your best work. Break the task into smaller tasks and work toward your goal.
• Jealousy - has a tendency to keep us thinking about what we don't have instead of what we do have. Try to focus on what you are doing right as you move forward to accomplish your goal.

Learning about your strengths and weaknesses can keep you from being your own worst enemy and will help you become the person you want to be.

Best wishes,

Gina