By James Bryson, Founder of New Millennium Institute
As a man thinks, so he is! Are you self-handicapping? Are your thoughts, beliefs, and actions limiting your potential? Are these behaviors impacting you, your family, community and health? If so, how would you know, and what could you do about it?
What is self-handicapping behavior? Broadly, it consists of behaviors that emerge from fear or certainty of failure. This mindset can lead you to set low expectations of outcomes before a task is even attempted, or it can even prevent you from taking on a new or challenging task because the outcome is “doomed” or “sure to fail.” It can include lack of self-confidence, self-sabotage, or self-doubt.
Self-handicapping is an interesting and dynamic concept. My term for it is, “tripping,” and it makes people consciously or unconsciously do things that hinder their success. Most people are unaware of their self-handicapping mindset and how it impacts other people, families, communities, and health.
What stimulates this mindset? It is stimulated when people feel incompetent or unsure of their abilities or skills regarding an anticipated event. When people feel shaky about new challenges or events in their lives, it provides a framework for them to self-handicap.
Pre-existing conditions or stumbling blocks such as low self-esteem, traumatic life events, poor academic skills, low confidence, gender, and body image can all be triggers for self-handicapping. Those who participate in this behavior damage their chances for happiness, prosperity and healthy lifestyles. Negative consequences can develop from long patterns of self-handicapping behavior; in extreme cases it can lead to substance abuse, obesity or other poor health habits, or even crime or violence. However, don’t fret, because you are not alone and there are ways to develop more positive attitudes and self-image.
Are you self-handicapping? Those that self-handicap are sometimes unaware of what they are doing or why they are doing it. If you are self-handicapping, here are seven tips that can help you to stop tripping and start living:
- Identify some of the challenges you are facing
- Self-assess your self-handicapping behaviors and triggers
- Discover what is causing your self-handicapping
- Learn to change the way you view yourself and how your thoughts, beliefs, and self-talk influence your life and those around you
- Learn techniques and strategies to overcome self-handicapping behaviors
- Seek and understand your life purpose
- Comprehend and use your gifts and talents to reach your purpose in life
You can also attend one of the free expos held by the New Millennium Institute. The New Millennium Institute has strengthened our community since 2011 by providing comprehensive educational and workforce strategies to residents, community leaders, and professionals.
We take pride in offering the public a series of the best integrative healthy lifestyle and workforce development events. These events are designed to promote wellness and workforce development and are intended to connect the public to various employers, community healthcare resources, and public organizations.
James (Agbara) Bryson is an award-winning educator, author, national trainer, and founder of New Millennium Institute’s nationally recognized Life Skills and Job Readiness Bootcamp. He offers workshops, forums, and expos that promote healthy lifestyles and workforce preparation. Mr. Bryson has also written several books including Stop Tripping and Start Living: Promoting Healthy Lifestyles. For more information, please contact New Millennium Institute at 309-208-8778, email jbstoptripping@mtco.com or www.jbnewmil.com.