We all do it. We run back to the familiar even if it’s negative. We run back to old habits and patterns. And to be real, we are all sick and tired of running around in circles of the same cycle.
Ugh. Cycles of self sabotage are so discouraging but I’m here to say it again..we all do it. You are not alone.
How do I know? Because no one is perfect and we all crave certainty even to the depths of staying stuck in said cycles.
Before we get to the how to of jumping off the hamster wheel, let’s talk about the now.
You are in a Cycle of Sabotage if you say yes to any of these:
The first step to getting off the wheel is to know that you MUST find the root cause of the cycle.
Binging on junk food isn’t your cycle...there’s another reason (root cause) as to WHY you run to food to numb your feelings or anxiety.
Procrastination isn’t your cycle...there’s a reason WHY you put off important tasks instead of going after your goals.
I just gave two examples and we could stay here forever giving more, but instead I want you to pause and think of your own cycle and know that the ACTION isn’t the cause...there’s a deeper meaning.
And it’s a Spiritual one. A battle you MUST take to God to win. (Which is a good thing because God can’t lose 😉)
The Bible tells us that once the Son sets us free, we are free indeed. (John 8:36)
So tell me, why are we still in bondage?
Because our MINDSET + THOUGHTS are on our situation and not on Gods grace and victory.
Because we haven’t laid our burdens at His feet and LEFT THEM THERE.
Because the burdens are heavy and familiar and we would rather carry them than know what life without them would be like...that’s too uncertain for us.
And we would rather feel safe in the certain and try to control what we can, then feel out of control in freedom.
So how do we overcome and actually fight these cycles?
•Prayer
•Scripture
•Honesty
•Accountability with others
•Personal development
•Action-new habits, patterns, ways to cope
These are just some...but let me tell you now that the first two are the most important.
Again, it’s a Spiritual battle of and for your mind. And the way to combat those thoughts is to battle them with Scripture. Our SWORD. Renewing your mind isn’t a cake walk, it’s a battle. One won in Christ.
I encourage you to spend time with the Lord. Open your Bible and allow Him to minister to you.
Google scriptures for your specific cycle and battle your actions and your thoughts WITH those scriptures.
Here are some I found in Galatians that I wanted to share with this blog post:
“Let me be clear, the Anointed One has set us free—not partially, but completely and wonderfully free! We must always cherish this truth and stubbornly refuse to go back into the bondage of our past.”
Galatians 5:1
“You were running the race so well. Who has held you back from following the truth? It certainly isn’t God, for he is the one who called you to freedom.”
Galatians 5:7-8
“For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.”
Galatians 5:13
“The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.”
Galatians 5:17
“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.”
Galatians 5:22-25
And these in Philippians 4:
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.”
Philippians 4:6
“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”
Philippians 4:8
Fix your thoughts on what is true.
If your cycle of sabotage has you spinning in lies, it’s time to fill your mind with Truth. Read Philippians 4:8 again. Screen shot it. Print it out. Memorize it so that when the lies start spinning, you can jump off the wheel and know that you will not get back on.
That you will stay free indeed.
XO,
Stephanie
Your “I have cycles too” friend
If you love listening to podcasts (Hello, multitasker) here is the link to listen to our “How to Overcome Cycles of Sabotage” episode.
(We talk this topic all out...it’s great!) 😉
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