Self Sabotage QUIZ

Continuing the article “When Calm Feels Boring: The Hidden Fear Behind Self-Sabotage.” Here is the 30 questions that will help you to set your priority in order to get to know your patterns.

Instructions:

Prepare your notes, or your gadget to write down your answers. List any items you have rated 5 or above, and pick what are the most urgent to work on. The higher the number the biggest the negative impact on your life and relationship. I put the quiz link below. 

Read, answer it honestly, and rate with 1 to 7 scale.
1= Not a problem at all, 7 = This is a big problem

✈️ Life changes

1. I’m expecting big changes without setting aside time or space to make them happen, like trying to learn a new skill without practicing regularly.
2. I’m relying on others’ behavior to motivate my own progress, like waiting for a friend to start exercising before I do.
3. I’m a perfectionist, only satisfied when 100% of a problem is fixed, don’t care about small improvements, like refusing to submit work until it’s flawless.
4. I’m too busy reacting to build systems that would help me manage better, like constantly putting out fires instead of planning ahead.

🌿 Pleasure & Self-Care

• I’m stuck in a cycle of denying myself joy, then giving in too much, like eating a whole cake after avoiding sweets all day.
• I’m ignoring signs that I need rest or a break, like working late despite feeling exhausted.
• I’m letting small obstacles block my enjoyment, like skipping a walk because of a little rain.
• I’m holding back from things I want due to limiting beliefs, like not trying a hobby because I think I won’t be good at it.

⏳ Time & Energy Drains

• I’m constantly reinventing the wheel instead of creating reusable systems, like rewriting the same email repeatedly.
• I’m lacking routines that would make daily life smoother, like not having a set morning routine.
• I’m taking on decisions others could handle themselves, like deciding what everyone should eat for lunch.
• I’m choosing frustration over available happiness, like focusing on problems instead of solutions.

🐌 Procrastination

1. I’m creating rigid rules that prevent me from starting tasks, like only working when conditions are perfect.
2. I’m overthinking instead of taking action, like planning endlessly without even starting.
3. I’m staying in familiar patterns that no longer serve me, like always doing things the same way even if it doesn’t work.
4. I’m worrying without solving the actual problem, like stressing about a test without studying.

❤️ Relationships

1. I’m focusing more on reducing conflict than building connection, like avoiding deep talks to keep peace.
2. I’m criticizing others for behaviors I also need to change, like pointing out someone’s lateness while often being late myself.
3. I’m repeating strategies that rarely work, like using the same argument in every disagreement.
4. I’m resisting practical solutions because “they should know better,” like refusing help because I think others should understand without explaining.
5. I’m dismissing valid feedback from others, like ignoring advice that could improve my work.
6. I’m reacting strongly when old emotional wounds are triggered, like getting upset over small comments that remind me of past hurts.

💼 Work

• I’m generating stress by starting more than I can finish, like taking on multiple projects at once.
• I’m prioritizing low-impact tasks over important ones, like answering emails instead of working on a key report.
• I’m overworking when I need perspective, like staying late instead of taking a break.
• I’m being self-critical when compassion would help more, like blaming myself harshly for small mistakes.

💰 Money

• I’m avoiding financial growth due to past mistakes, like not investing because of previous losses.
• I’m overpaying for safety or minor upgrades, like buying expensive warranties I don’t need.
• I’m making purchases based on marketing, not logic, like buying gadgets just because they’re advertised.
• I’m keeping subscriptions I rarely use, like paying for apps I never open.

Go back to the main article…

References
Boyes, A., PhD. (2018, May 1). Learn how to get out of your own way. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/in-practice/201805/30-types-of-self-sabotage-and-what-to-do-about-it