January arrives full of promises: opening a gym, changing your habits, organizing your financial life, investing in your career, taking better care of your mental health. The problem is that, most of the time, enthusiasm is short-lived – and old self-sabotage soon sets in. The result? Fatigue, procrastination, guilt and frustration.
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By looking at why so many people end up sabotaging themselves, even if they want to change, Column Claudia Meireles spoke with neuroscientist Leninha Wagner. According to the expert, it is not the lack of willpower that prevents the realization of New Year’s resolutions, but the brain’s protective mechanism, shaped by past experiences, fears and limiting beliefs.
“Often unconsciously, the mind creates barriers that hinder personal, emotional and professional progress. These are thoughts, actions or behaviors that go against one’s own goals and desires, keeping the individual trapped in a cycle of limitations,” he explains.
When the mind self-sabotages you
As a result, self-sabotage creates a vicious cycle with profound effects on physical, emotional and mental health, promoting poor diet, a sedentary lifestyle and even insomnia. And even worse: it can lead to the development of psychosomatic illnesses such as headaches, gastrointestinal and skin problems.
Feeling stagnant or incapable fuels anxiety and, in more severe cases, can progress into depression. Additionally, self-sabotage compromises the quality of relationships and professional performance, generating isolation and feelings of inadequacy, warns Leninha Wagner.
Interrupt cycles
To overcome this condition, learning to recognize behavioral triggers is the first step. In addition, it is necessary to divide large goals into small acts, so that each action performed generates more motivation instead of frustration, thus bringing you closer to the goal in a conscious way.
Breaking down big goals and objectives into small actions helps the brain not give up on tasks
Furthermore, the neuroscientist emphasizes that clinical psychology is one of the most important allies. Indeed, being linked to monitoring helps the patient to work on emotional, cognitive, behavioral, bodily and even spiritual aspects.
“This method allows the patient to explore the roots of their behaviors, reframe their negative beliefs and strengthen their relationship with themselves. The goal is to help the person reconnect with their “authentic self,” providing not only relief from symptoms, but also a profound transformation in the way they face their challenges and pursue their goals.
Neuroscientist Leninha Wagner
According to the professional, seeking professional help is an act of courage and an essential step in breaking the cycle of self-sabotage and achieving a fuller, more satisfying life.
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