Problematic Patterns: How to Troubleshoot and Start Thriving

We all have patterns of behavior that can sometimes become problematic and hinder our growth and happiness. These patterns might have been helpful at some point in our lives, but now they no longer serve us. In this blog post, we will explore how to troubleshoot and break free from these patterns by understanding their purpose, shifting our focus, and taking intentional actions.

Understanding Conflicting Parts:

Often, when we find ourselves stuck in problematic patterns, there are conflicting parts within us. One part experiences the challenge, while another part is motivated to escalate it. It's important to acknowledge and understand these conflicting parts within ourselves to gain clarity on what is driving the problematic behavior.

Recognizing the Purpose:

Despite their current problematic nature, these patterns were initially created to support us in some way. There was a reason for their existence back then. For example, anger might have been a coping mechanism to protect ourselves in the past. However, it is important to reassess whether these patterns serve us in our current lives.

Identifying the Benefits and Consequences:

Problematic patterns often serve a purpose, helping us feel connected, loved, admired, or safe, among other things. Some common patterns include overworking to prove our worth, seeking control for predictability, people-pleasing to feel adequate, or turning to food to soothe or avoid emotions. However, these patterns also have consequences.

The Challenge of Breaking Free:

The fear of the consequences of breaking free from these patterns may not outweigh the benefits they currently provide. Our focus is often on the benefits, rather than the negative consequences resulting from these patterns. To create meaningful change, we need to shift our perspective and language.

Steps to Troubleshoot Problematic Patterns:

1. Notice the Pattern: Start by observing and recognizing the pattern that keeps recurring in your life. Take the time to understand what purpose this pattern serves and what it provides for you

2. Start the Dialogue: Initiate an internal dialogue with yourself, acknowledging the pattern as a part of you. Say, "I am the pattern (name it) and my job is to..." This dialogue helps bring awareness and disconnection from the pattern's hold.

3. Assess the Consequences: Ask yourself what the actual end result and consequence will be if you continue to engage in this pattern. Visualize and experience it in your mind. Let yourself truly see and feel what it means to continue down this path.

4. Intentional Action: Use the fear of the consequences as motivation to envision a new image of yourself. Visualize yourself cutting off the pattern and burning the bridge to the old behavior. This visualization exercise can help drive you towards taking intentional actions to break free.

Troubleshooting problematic patterns requires understanding their purpose, recognizing their benefits and consequences, and intentionally shifting our focus and actions. By actively engaging in an internal dialogue, assessing the consequences, and visualizing a new and empowering image of yourself, you can break free from these patterns and create healthier and more fulfilling ways of living. Remember, change is possible, and you have the power to transform your patterns and shape your own narrative.

For a deeper and more thorough dive into the inner work and releasing the patterns of behavior that keep you stuck, I've put together a framework that has already proven successful in helping people just like you transform their inner Saboteur into an ally. When you've got the inner saboteur on the side of your desire, what then is stopping you from reaching your goals?

Dive in NOW. See you inside!