Why is it so hard to change? The exact reasons are different for everybody but one thing is certain: we all spend a lot of time falling into very similar traps.

The best way to avoid them? Face them head on:

• Expecting too much/Not expecting enough People who are good at change can see both the short term and long term accurately -- they know what they can do in the next 30 days and in the next 3 months. Be honest and realistic with yourself when setting goals.
  
• Letting others bring you down Those around you might not mean to drag you into the dumps, but seeing you working so hard and being successful could be reminding them of their own short-comings. Refuse to let the negative energy of others affect your positive momentum.
• Self-sabotage You might not mean to bring yourself down, either, but all too often we do just that to ourselves. Look deep to see if there are reasons, like fear, that you might be wrecking your own plans.

Thanks to Natural Health magazine.

This past Saturday after marathon training with friends, I'd like to tell you that we hit an organic cafe for bean sprout sandwiches and wheatgrass juice. Instead, I hate to admit that -- fueled by each others' hunger and pious attitudes about the 10 miles we just did -- we justified a drive-through at a fast food restaurant for cheeseburgers and fries. Let me say that again: Cheeseburgers. And. Fries. After all, it was the much-needed protein and carbs we needed to "re-charge." Then my friends laughed at me for ordering a Diet Coke, like that would negate the 1,000 calories we were about to consume. I realized in the moment that we were self-sabotaging ourselves but I didn't care. I craved a cheeseburger, and I could run off the calories tomorrow.

Whether we're talking about diets or dating, why do we sabotage ourselves so easily when it so goes against the very result we want? Is it really just a matter of instant gratification at war with the desired-for, more healthy long-term result? Over at BellaOnline, weight loss editor Monica Neave identifies clues to let us know if we're self-sabotaging, and how we can get past the self-sabotage plateau. I learned that my biggest justifier is, "I worked hard, I deserve it!" If you've uttered similar words and are still confused because you're not seeing the results you want, then take some time to consider how self-sabotage might be playing a role. I'm pledging to do the same. I realize that means fewer cheeseburgers in my future but I hold on to the vision of me in my skinny jeans and I suddenly feel stronger.

What are your self-sabotage triggers and how do you side-step them?

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