SCABs

Why do we self-SCABatoge? – By @Aaron_Furman1

By Aaron Furman

 

Why do we self-SCABatoge?

 

I start this SCAB by posing a question: have you ever self-sabotaged?

 

This is more common than most people think. Tell me, have you ever skipped breakfast or put off studying for an exam. Did you procrastinate by watching Netflix’s instead? The answer is most probably yes. These are just some classic examples of minor self-sabotage. These small indiscretions do have a big impact and are a determinant to your future wellbeing. 

 

Take the small act of not eating breakfast. We are constantly told it’s the most important meal of the day. A good hearty breakfast sets you up to be the best version of yourself, to have the energy for the day and ultimately, get shit done. I know from too much experience that I feel absolutely rubbish when I skip it. I won’t be functioning at full capacity and my work will suffer for it. The more frequently I skip, the more of a knock-on effect it will have on my prospects. 

 

A simple equation can be formulated from the above: 

 

Food = Energy = Better Performance.

 

Therefore, skipping breakfast is never the smartest option in the morning. Even when you are late for anything, especially if it’s important to your future ambitions. You wouldn’t run a car with an empty tank. 

 

So why do we do it? Why do we knowingly build up a growing cascade of future problems? 

 

The psychologist Doctor Ellen Hendriksen defines six reasons as to why one might self-sabotage.

 

  1. Low Self-Worth 
  2. Control 
  3. Perceived Fraudulence
  4. For a Handy Scapegoat
  5. Familiarity
  6. Sheer boredom

 

Out of the 6 reasons ‘control’ has piqued my interest. This theory suggests that fear of failure makes you fail. We are so scared of failure being the outcome, that we subconsciously will it into existence. It’s the classic case of a self-fulfilling prophecy. We decided we would rather fail because we can control that, rather than trying and failing.

 

After speaking to past SCA students and reading countless SCABs, I have come to a strong conclusion. WE ARE GOING TO FAIL. We will not get it right the first time and that’s OKAY. Failing teaches us lessons. The most terrible thing you can do is not failing, but not learning through your failures. I have learned more through failure than winning has ever taught me. 

 

We need reminding of this. I need reminding of this. We are about to embark on a demanding course. Be prepared to fail but not for lack of trying. If we try our hardest and fail, then have we really failed at all? We are imperfect people, living in an imperfect world, holding ourselves up to inflexible standards.

 

If you’re still reading my ramblings you get a cookie. Seriously, if you’ve made it this far; find me and I’ll buy you a cookie. The only catch is that you have to tell me what you have learned through failing. This way I get to learn more about you and you get a cookie. 

 

Now go eat breakfast and fail! 

 

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