Self-Stigmatization Followed by Self-Reform: A Pathway to Successful Habit Change

Self-improvement grows out of improved self-discipline, step by step

Photo by Kaylee Garrett on Unsplash

A friend recently shared an article on hedonic eating, weight loss and self stigmatization. This latter term hit a nerve for me: I have often suspected that stereotypical answers to complicated questions put a cap on change or on trying new behaviors.

Self-stigmatization occurs if you hold negative beliefs about yourself; you feel embarrassed, ashamed, or disappointed in yourself being a victim of poor judgement or unhealthy habits.

This happened to me, but I can now report successful changes over a lifetime due to successive victories in self-discipline driven by the tactic of compensation. Each success empowered the next feat of self-regulation, as will be described.

The shame and embarrassment that self-stigma ingrains in us can make us reluctant to tell others about our self-label. This can limit self-understanding allowing our self-stigma to grow even stronger.

I have been struggling with the coffee habit, feeling ashamed about my lack of success. Afterall, I present myself as a champion of self-discipline. So, I don’t tell anyone who might otherwise help.