why would someone intentionally sabotage themselves?

Question

like, when they were working so diligently toward a goal and then for no apparent reason, just start backsliding into what they were doing before?

Answer 1

Self-hatred.

You go on a diet, you eat something you shouldn't and then you punish yourself by eating even more bad things. That tends to be the cycle for many on yo-yo diets.

Of course, it is the same with many alcoholics who "fall of the wagon".

Answer 2

if humans allow themselves to run on "automatic" all their lives they are in for big trouble. "automatic" means they never question why they do what they do, like sabotaging themselves, along with many other self destructive behaviors. be wise and try to become as "conscious " as possible regarding motivations, attitudes,dramas, blaming, feeling victimized etc. check out *the complete idiot's guide to toltec wisdom*. this will help a lot to make your mind an ally and not an enemy. a very small percentage of all humans is truly conscious. the remainder tend to drive themselves and those they know, "nuts". good luck :-)

Answer 3

This describes me to a 'T'... I know I do it because I fear success, in the sense of having to maintain what I worked so hard to achieve. I fear someone somewhere will discover how hard I worked to accomplish (the said task) and rat me out for being a loser and deem me unworthy of the rewards.

Plus when you succeed, you have to work even harder to keep everyone else at bay... to always have 'one up' on the next person. Or to outdue your previous successes. Hence the term 'sophomore jinx'... people striking gold on the first swing, only to strike out on the second.

The pressure is too much for some people to bare, so falling back and making excuses as to why they didnt succeed seems to be easier..'more comfortable'.

I didnt succeed because 'someone else stopped me'

or 'I had to help my family'

or 'No one would help me'

Putting the blame on someone else makes if easier for the failed person to sleep at night...

I know Ive used this exact tactic is explaining my own failed dreams...

Answer 4

I know for me, I was afraid once I reached my goal, I still wouldn't be happy. Its a major frustration.

Answer 5

Could be many reasons.
Burn out, Stress out, can't handle the new tasks.

Answer 6

Fear of success, it's really a common thing.

Answer 7

because it is easier to be lazy and hard to stay motivated

Answer 8

burnout.