by Cindy Walker Burton

Roman statesman and lawyer Marcus Cicero said, “We are our own worst enemy.” German philosopher Frederick Nietzsche said, “But the worst enemy you can meet will always be yourself.” Are you your own worst enemy? If so, you are engaging in (intentionally or unintentionally) self sabotage, a/k/a self immolation or self destruction. Self sabotage occurs when you destroy yourself physically, mentally, or emotionally. You deliberately hinder your own success or wellbeing by undermining yourself. Self sabotage syndrome is a phenomenon, not a formally recognized medical condition.

The publishing platform Medium lists these root causes of self sabotage: childhood trauma, self esteem issues, or self control issues. It can manifest as procrastination, chronic tardiness, self criticism, low self esteem, perfectionistic tendencies, or fear of success. It can also appear in the guise of being a people pleaser, breaking promises to yourself, fears of abandonment, or avoiding self care. Expecting constant contentment or constantly examining your personal failures may indicate that you are a self saboteur.

You are not alone if you experience this toxic occurrence. According to one study, 63% of Americans report at least one instance of self sabotage. Celebrities have been known to destroy their careers. Buzzfeed lists actors like Charlie Sheen, Katherine Heigl, Katie Holmes, and Kevin Spacey as self saboteurs. Non-celebrities like Cindy Walker Burton have self sabotaged in the past. The details are not important. What’s important is that I recognized it, addressed it, overcame it, and didn’t repeat it.

The internet offered these tips to stop self sabotage: become aware of what triggers you, journal your thoughts, get comfortable with failing, practice self compassion, overcome rigid thought patterns. Here’s what lifted me from the miry clay (read Psalm 40:2): praying and maintaining my faith in Christ, giving myself a measure of grace, and applying the balm of self-mercy.

If you’re existing under the camouflage of self sabotage, I urge you to embrace it, face it, and erase it.