“It’s not self-sabotage. It was an accident.”
Self-sabotage is when we do something, consciously, subconsciously, passively, or activity to prevent ourselves from reaching our goals.
Everyone can do it, and sometimes it takes something big to snap you out of it.
You don’t have to wait for something bit, though. There are signs right in front of you. Next time something happens to stop you from achieving something, take a look for the signs.
This is my finger.
I cut the tip of it on the first day of National Novel Writing Month (#NaNoWriMo).
This is not the first time this has happened. I cut it exactly like this on the first day of last year’s #WillWriteForCoffee challenge, too.
Wow, what a coincidence, he said.
Yes, a coincidence.
I use this finger to type, to click, and to drag and drop.
I use it on my phone, and on my laptop.
I planned to use it to write 1,667 words per day this month.
I don’t usually play favorites, but this really is my best finger.
I cut it by not paying attention
I cut it by not paying attention while slicing radishes. I was in a hurry, and I’d just finished a writing sprint on day 1 of NaNoWriMo.
Yes, it was an accident. I’m not saying I did it to avoid writing. That’s not the self-sabotage part.
The self-sabotage comes from not protecting myself from that which could ruin my plans.
We all do it. It’s subconscious. I failed to protect my hands. Some fail to plan for likely contingencies. Others fail to protect their valuable time.
There are signs when it comes to self-sabotaging behavior.
#1 – Do you feel a sense of relief that you can put that thing off?
#2 – Do you feel you have a good reason to not finish it now?
#3 – Do you see the pattern happen over and over again?
Those are signs, but before you feel bad about yourself, don’t. Stop it. It is wonderful that you noticed them.
Without noticing, you’re doomed to repeat the cycle.
I know, s#!* happens
I’m not saying accidents don’t happen or that legitimate and unexpected things don’t come up.
And, I’m NOT saying writing isn’t important to you.
What I’m saying is that if writing IS important to you, it’s important that you take it seriously.
I’m cringing at this picture…
Seriously enough to protect it.
- Backup your work.
- Block off your writing time.
- Don’t stream another episode.
- Turn off your notifications.
- And don’t freakin’ set your coffee ON your laptop!
As you can see by my finger, we can all self-sabotage. But, once we see it, we have a choice to stop it, not let it happen again, and carry on, despite.
As painful as this is to say, much less to type with this finger, I’m going to write these words this month to the best of my ability.
The ultimate self-sabotage is letting your inner fear win.
The ultimate accomplishment is carrying on, despite.
I will carry on. How about you?
Roland
Roland Denzel
Roland has been helping authors just like himself be more productive and write more books, all while staying healthy, happy, and sane since 2015.
Read his story right here, and if you want to send him a message, visit Roland's contact page here.