Share

21 ways people sabotage themselves

iStock

We may be at the top of the food chain, but when you look at the counterproductive way in which some people conduct their lives, it's difficult not to wonder whether humans should be repositioned somewhere between amoebas and algae.

Right, we are all human, and every now and then we do things that make sense to us, but not to anyone else. But if you do several of these things, your behaviour is self-defeating, and frankly not very practical.

Are you guilty of any of these?

  • Drinking/eating more because you're smoking less.
  • Putting money on fixed deposit while you're running on overdraft.
  • Trying to motivate yourself to lose weight by buying clothes that are too small.
  • Fixing an old car rather than saving for a newish one.
  • Putting artificial sweetener and cream in your coffee.
  • Trying to earn more and spending less time with the family.
  • Doing drugs and taking anti-depressants.
  • Borrowing on your bond to go on holiday.
  • Doubling your food intake because you've started exercising.
  • Having a child to save a rocky relationship.
  • Trying to save money by not having a medical aid plan.
  • Going for marriage counselling while you're continuing an affair.
  • Spending thousands fixing up a house in a dodgy area.
  • Borrowing thousands to pay for new household appliances when quality secondhand ones will do.
  • Taking a sleeping tablet and drinking coffee before you go to bed.
  • Actually telling someone you're not going to talk to them anymore.
  • Buying things on clothing accounts you would never think of buying cash.
  • Trying to save money by not going to the doctor when you are really ill.
  • Not handing in your tax returns, even though you know you will have to pay a fine for being late with them.
  • Overspending on life insurance if you are single.
  • Lowering your fruit and vegetable intake because you're drinking multivitamins.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE