One major self-sabotage method is that of “self-medication”.  Addiction.  Hey, this is not a counseling or psychology newsletter and we’re not trying to judge, analyze, or solve world peace.  But, from a Life Coaching perspective, all forms of self-medication are forms of self-sabotage.  Why do we say that?

As Life Coaches, we’re really focused on helping people set and reach goals.  Ideally, those goals are stretch goals; meaning, beyond what is easy, comfortable or secure.  To be able to vision, plan and implement goals that are bigger than you, a degree of risk, freedom and courage are needed.  If someone struggles with an addiction, just the idea of stretching out of his or her comfort zone is often the trigger to cause us to self-medicate rather than act.  The end result: no action and more self-medication. 

Self-medicating is a great inhibitor.  Ironically, those stuck in self-medication cycles deny its power or impact on their lives.  They will do everything and anything to maintain that cycle.  They have a secret best friend.  In reality though, they have sold out to their enemy!

In recalling one of my past addictions (yes, I said “one of”), I recall the day I started to do something about it.  One time, when in the midst of self-medicating, all of a sudden my eyes were opened!  For some reason, I was able to look around and realize what I had let my life come to.  I used to play sports of all kinds; now, no more sports.  No dates (obviously, this was before I was married); my only friends were those that did the same self-medicating as I; no goals in life.  When I was happy, I would self-medicate to celebrate.  When I was down, I would self-medicate for a boost.  What a life I had carved out for myself.

There are lots of addiction types.  Anything can become our god.  Here are a few of the biggies:

·   Alcohol

·   Drugs

·   Food

·   Gambling

·   Internet

·   Nicotine

·   Prescription Drugs

·   Sex – Porn

·   Shopping

·   Work

Some questions for you to consider:

·         If you are addicted to something, what are the real costs of that addiction?

·         Who are you hurting with your addiction?

·         How has your addiction prevented you from moving forward in your life?