Do you ever find yourself sabotaging something important to you? Maybe it is a close
relationship, friends, career, or other areas of your life? Just know that you are not
alone! Many people end up unintentionally (or intentionally) sabotaging something
they’re currently working towards, no matter how much they want to succeed. Yes, this
can even include your recovery from a brain injury, stroke or concussion.

There are many reasons a person may consciously or unconsciously sabotage their
success, and oftentimes they may not even know why. Depending on how a person
processes their life experiences, this influences what we know many people
struggle with self-sabotage due to past traumas or difficult life experiences. This can be
compounded by the stress, low self-esteem, and other hindrances that often
accompany life after brain injury.

For those of us in brain injury rehabilitation, we see all too often the negative effects that
self-sabotage has in a person's recovery journey. Some consequences include but are
not limited to: Missing appointments, difficulty following through, use of alcohol and/or
drugs, and other disruptions that can slow a person's recovery and potentially hurt
progress made.

Luckily you are not alone, there is hope! You have the power to
stop yourself from self-sabotage! Brain injury, or not, learning how to get unstuck and
stop sabotaging ourselves is a key to success in rehabilitation and life. Of course it will
take hard work to get on track and stay on track with your recovery journey, but the
benefits will always outweigh the costs when it comes to your health, functional
independence, and quality of life.

How do I get unstuck?

If you (or someone you know) aren’t progressing, consider asking and answering these
questions. You can talk to yourself, start a conversation with someone you trust or with
your primary medical provider:

• Am I self-sabotaging myself with behaviors that are coming from a place of
  feeling anxious, depressed or fearful?
• Am I stuck in a cocoon of my symptoms?
• With support am I willing to get uncomfortable so I can experience more
  meaning, more purpose and enjoy my life more?
  Procrastination only hurts you. Decide to start making healthy choices that boost your
  mood, improve your confidence, and increase your capacity to do your life.

Everybody needs somebody after a brain injury, stroke or complex concussion – you
need a team. If you are already seeing a provider, it may be a good idea to bring these
and other questions to evaluate where you are currently, what goals you have and what
is needed to gain momentum in your recovery journey and life.
There is power in asking for help, never shame. At BRN, we exist to give you the tools
you need to succeed at rehabilitation and in life!

You can take matters into your own hands to combat self-sabotaging behaviors.
Resolve today to start getting real with yourself and examining why you are holding
yourself back is a great way to start. If you cannot even bear to do this, Very Well Mind
has a great list of questions to ask yourself found here.

Building community, fostering hope and demonstrating love takes work. But committing
to yourself, your recovery journey, and your health can be the biggest positive impact
YOU can make for yourself. If you want to gain and some inspiration to start improving
in your life then start right here and right now!