DeepSummary
In this podcast episode, Dr. Tamara Rosier discusses the concept of self-sabotage and how it relates to individuals with ADHD. She explains the various behaviors and emotions that can lead to self-sabotage, such as procrastination, perfectionism, people-pleasing, and risk-taking. Dr. Rosier provides examples from her own life and those of her clients to illustrate the cycle of self-sabotage.
The episode explores the underlying reasons for self-sabotage, including a lack of trust in one's abilities, fear of failure or success, lack of self-awareness, and using self-sabotage as a coping mechanism. Dr. Rosier emphasizes the importance of recognizing the reasons for self-sabotage and understanding the emotions that drive these behaviors.
Dr. Rosier offers strategies to interrupt the cycle of self-sabotage, such as reframing negative emotions, accepting negative emotions while moving forward, considering more positive emotions, and developing self-supporting behaviors. She encourages seeking professional help, such as an ADHD coach or therapist, for those struggling with severe or persistent self-sabotaging patterns.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Self-sabotage is a common experience, particularly for individuals with ADHD, and can manifest in various forms, such as procrastination, perfectionism, people-pleasing, and risk-taking.
- Underlying reasons for self-sabotage include a lack of trust in one's abilities, fear of failure or success, lack of self-awareness, and using self-sabotage as a coping mechanism.
- Understanding the emotions that drive self-sabotaging behaviors, such as shame, anger, or inadequacy, is crucial in breaking the cycle.
- Strategies to interrupt the cycle of self-sabotage include reframing negative emotions, accepting negative emotions while moving forward, considering more positive emotions, and developing self-supporting behaviors.
- Seeking professional help, such as an ADHD coach or therapist, is recommended for those struggling with severe or persistent self-sabotaging patterns.
- Self-sabotage is often a protective mechanism, as individuals may unconsciously engage in these behaviors to protect their ego or avoid potential pain or discomfort.
- Developing self-awareness and challenging negative thought patterns are essential steps in overcoming self-sabotage.
- Cultivating a mindset of growth and resilience, where challenges are seen as opportunities for personal development, can help break the cycle of self-sabotage.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “I was my own worst enemy. And you know what? Sometimes I continue to be my own worst enemy.“ by Tamara Rosier
- “So the big reason we really self sabotage is we want to protect ourselves. Or psychologically would say, we want to protect our ego.“ by Tamara Rosier
- “Please don't try this one alone. Please do try to work with someone as you do this.“ by Tamara Rosier
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Episode Information
ADHD Experts Podcast
ADDitude
2/27/24
Tamara Rosier, Ph.D., highlights the behaviors linked to ADHD — procrastination, risk-taking, aiming for perfection, people-pleasing, etc. — that hold us back, and how to interrupt this self-defeating cycle with new habits that lift us up.
Self-Sabotage with ADHD: More Resources
- Read: 10 Corrosive Thoughts That Are Holding You Back
- Download: Scripts to Manage Anger & Reactivity
- Get: The Emotions of ADHD
- Read: 6 Pieces of Life Advice from ADHD Coaches
Access the video and slides for podcast episode #492 here: https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/self-sabotage-perfectionism-procrastination-adhd/
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