Posted on March 24, 2025
Do you ever feel like you’re your own worst enemy when it comes to health goals? Self-sabotage might be the culprit—but myths about it could be keeping you stuck. As a health coach and the heart behind Seeds of Balance, I’m here to bust the top self-sabotage myths and show you how my coaching can help you break free and unlock your potential.
This isn’t about blame or willpower; it’s about clarity and growth. Ready to stop holding yourself back? Let’s dive in.
Want a quick win? Grab my free 4-Step Self-Sabotage Breaker to start today!
What Is Self-Sabotage, Really?
Self-sabotage is when your actions—or inactions—undermine your own goals, like skipping workouts or overeating despite wanting to feel better. It’s sneaky, common, and often misunderstood. Let’s clear up the myths and set you on a path to success.
Myth #1: Self-Sabotage Means You Don’t Care
The biggest myth? If you sabotage yourself, you must not want it badly enough.
The Truth
It’s not about caring—it’s about patterns. A 2020 study in Personality and Individual Differences (source) ties self-sabotage to fear of failure, not lack of desire.
How a Health Coach Helps
One client, Alex (name changed), thought he didn’t care about fitness—until we uncovered his fear of not measuring up. My coaching turned that around. Ready to dig deeper? Book a free discovery call.
Try It
Ask: What’s really stopping me? See my goal-setting tips.
Myth #2: It’s Just Laziness
Think self-sabotage is sloth in disguise? Not quite.
The Truth
It’s often protection, not laziness. Research from Journal of Behavioral Decision Making 2019 (source) shows it’s a subconscious shield against disappointment.
How a Health Coach Helps
I’ve helped clients see procrastination as a sign, not a flaw. We swapped self-criticism for action—explore my coaching.
Try It
Replace “I’m lazy” with “I’m scared”—then act anyway. Check my motivation hacks.
Myth #3: You Can’t Change It
Some believe self-sabotage is a fixed trait. Wrong.
The Truth
It’s a habit you can break. A 2021 Cognitive Therapy and Research study (source) found awareness and support shift self-sabotaging behaviors fast.
How a Health Coach Helps
My client Mia thought she’d always skip healthy meals. We rewired her habits—she’s thriving now.
Try It
Pick one small goal and stick to it today. My habit-building guide has more.
Myth #4: It Only Hurts Big Goals
Think self-sabotage just tanks marathons or diets? Think again.
The Truth
It hits daily life too—skipping sleep, avoiding self-care. A 2018 Psychological Bulletin review (source) links it to lower well-being overall.
How a Health Coach Helps
I help clients spot small sabotages—like late-night scrolling—and fix them. Book a call.
Try It
Notice one tiny sabotage today and tweak it. See my daily wellness post.
Myth #5: It’s All Your Fault
Feel like self-sabotage is your personal failing? It’s not.
The Truth
It’s often rooted in past experiences or stress, not character. A 2022 Journal of Personality study (source) ties it to learned coping mechanisms.
How a Health Coach Helps
I’ve guided clients to let go of blame. One said, “Irit helped me see it’s not me—it’s my old story.”
Try It
Write down a past moment that shaped your habits. My self-compassion guide can help.
Myth #6: Self-Sabotage Is Obvious
Think you’d spot it easily? Not always.
The Truth
It’s subtle—like “forgetting” gym clothes or overcommitting. A 2020 Behavior Research and Therapy study (source) shows it hides in routine choices.
How a Health Coach Helps
My clients learn to catch sneaky sabotages—like perfectionism—and pivot. See my programs.
Try It
List three ways you delay progress. Read my hidden obstacles post.
Myth #7: You Don’t Need Help to Stop
Believe you should fix self-sabotage solo? You don’t have to.
The Truth
Support accelerates change. A 2021 Health Psychology Open study (source) found coaching doubles success rates.
How a Health Coach Helps
I’ve walked clients from stuck to unstoppable with tailored plans. You’re stronger with a guide—book a free call.
Try It
Ask a friend to cheer one goal. My support network tips have more.
How to Beat Self-Sabotage With Coaching
Here’s your kickstart plan:
- Spot the Pattern: Name one way you sabotage.
- Dig Deeper: Why do you do it?
- Take a Step: Act against it once.
- Celebrate Wins: Even small ones count.
- Get Support: Don’t go it alone.
Grab my free 4-Step Self-Sabotage Breaker—perfect for [Your City] locals or online warriors!
Why Self-Sabotage Matters in 2025
In a year of big dreams, self-sabotage can dim your shine. As a health coach in [Your City], I see clients ready to break free—this is your moment.
Ready to Unlock Your Potential?
My coaching helps you bust self-sabotage, build habits, and soar—online “Irit turned my ‘can’ts’ into ‘cans’!”—Client Testimonial. Book a free discovery call.
Which self-sabotage myth surprised you? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear!