Overcoming Self-defeating Behavior (Part 1)
"As you do, so shall you be rewarded." (Prophet Muhammad (pbuh))
"Pessimism is part of bad character." (Prophet Muhammad (pbuh))
Life's greatest tragedy is realizing towards its end that we have not ended up
where we would've wanted to and discovering that we were ultimately the greatest obstacles
in our own lives. Self-defeating behavior is actually any behavior that keeps people from
reaching their goals
Have I been engaging throughout my life in self-defeating rather than life-enhancing
behavior. Do I act out debilitating self-defeating patterns of choose to feel, act and think
differently. Life-enhancing behavior begins when I pause to evaluate, analyze and reconsider
my situation.
We cannot escape ourselves and we are never inconsequential in our own lives.
Suffering caused by Self-Defeating Behavior
- We limit our potential (Nothing undermines individual development as badly as low self-esteem)
- We have to put energy into repairing outer damage (Making peace with people we disappointed or rectifying our faults)
- We have to repair inner damage (negative feelings such as guilt, envy ...)
- Undermines our credibility ((People who engage in self-defeating behavior are often pitied, seldom respected)
- Procrastination (The more we delay things the harder they become)
- Blaming others (You can not learn from your mistakes unless you first acknowledge them)
Overcoming Daily Self-Defeating Behavior
- Be Reflective rather than Reflexive (Do not react to issues or incidents purely on impulse or emotion but act on intelligence by consciously choosing the best course of action)
- Physical and Emotional Awareness ( How are you affected and what do you feel)
- Consequence Awareness (What would your thoughts, emotions and actions lead to; solution, benefit, or problems?
Thought of the Day
Positive Thinking --> Positive Considerations --> Solutions --> Success
Instead of defeating yourself, face the reality of life with faith, dignity, courage, wisdom and a firm,
positive resolve.