Self Sabotage - What's Really Going On?

Welcome to another chat about dyslexia and the many quirks it can bring. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a loop of creating your own problems, you’re not alone. In this podcast episode, I dive into self sabotage, why it happens, and how we can face it head-on in our daily lives.

Self sabotage isn’t reserved for dyslexics, but we often feel it more keenly because our brains love to jump from one thought to the next. In this episode, I share my own stories of getting in my own way, as well as tips for spotting negative behaviours before they spiral out of control. Keep reading for the main points, then have a listen to the podcast at the top of the page to hear more details.

Why Self Sabotage Happens

It’s easy to think we sabotage ourselves just because we want to fail. But that’s rarely true. More often, self sabotage is a sneaky mix of fear, worry, and old habits that hold us back.

We might:

• Procrastinate until deadlines are impossible to meet
• Talk ourselves out of trying something new
• Doubt our own ability, even when everything is fine

When we’re juggling dyslexia, ADHD, or other differences, our minds can race. We want to do big things, but the fear of messing it up leads us to put obstacles in our path.

Is It Really Just a Dyslexia Thing?

Self sabotage can affect anyone. Still, there’s often a particular struggle for people with dyslexia. Growing up, we can become very alert to possible mistakes. We don’t like getting it wrong or being misunderstood. That can create a pattern of playing small or blowing up the project before we even start.

“Is it only dyslexics that self sabotage? How do you see what is really going on?”

This question from the episode highlights the universal nature of sabotage. While the triggers might be linked to dyslexia for some, the urge to protect ourselves by giving up too soon can be found in all walks of life.

Recognising Your Patterns

The first step is noticing your own sabotage traps. Maybe it’s stepping away when a plan gets complicated or ignoring important tasks until you’re in a mad rush. Sometimes it’s saying “I’m too busy” when the real fear is “I’m not good enough to do this.”

In the episode, I share stories of times I felt panicked and let that feeling derail me. By reflecting on your own experiences, you can often spot the turning point. That’s the moment you can pause, breathe, and think, “Wait, I see what’s happening, let’s not go down that path again.”

Practical Tips to Break the Cycle

Self sabotage is slippery. But you can take tangible steps to break the pattern:

1. Set small goals: Split big tasks into tiny steps. Win at one step, then move to the next.
2. Track your triggers: Keep a quick journal of moments you feel that dread and what sets it off.
3. Lean on your community: Talk with friends, mentors, or coaches if you find yourself getting stuck.
4. Celebrate your progress: Every tiny accomplishment is a chance to build confidence.

Techniques like journalling or mindfulness can help too. The key is bringing awareness to the moment before sabotage takes hold.

Tune In for More Great Stories

During this episode, I open up about some of my biggest self sabotage mistakes and how I bounced back. I won’t lie, it's a messy process. But each time I stumble, I learn something new about why I do this and how to get out of my own way.

If you find yourself repeating old routines, it doesn’t mean you’re weak. It’s part of being human, especially if your dyslexia or ADHD tendencies make you doubt your own skill. By slowly shifting your mindset, you can let more wins slip through those sabotage cracks.

• Self sabotage isn’t about wanting to fail—it’s fear.
• Dyslexia can magnify the worry of getting it wrong.
• Recognise your patterns to see the moment sabotage begins.
• Small goals and mindful checks can keep you on track.
• Talking with others can shine a light on your blind spots.

Ready for the full scoop on these stories and strategies? Listen to the full episode at the top of the page and let’s keep learning new ways to break free from self sabotage!