#242: When Does Self-Improvement Become Self-Sabotage? (Ask Steph)

#242: When Does Self-Improvement Become Self-Sabotage? (Ask Steph)

From On Attachment by Stephanie Rigg

March 19, 2026 · 7 min · Season 1 · Episode 242

About this episode

Stephanie Rigg explores the fine line between personal growth and self-sabotage in the pursuit of self-improvement.

In this Ask Steph episode, I respond to a listener question about the fine line between personal growth and the endless pursuit of self-improvement. While healing, reflection, and growth are powerful tools, they can sometimes become another way we reinforce the belief that something about us is fundamentally wrong or needs fixing. When that happens, self-development can quietly turn into a hamster wheel driven by shame, perfectionism, or a sense of inadequacy. In this episode, I explore how to recognise when the pursuit of growth is useful and worthwhile —and when it might actually be keeping you stuck. I also share some reflections on why the deeper goal of healing work isn’t to endlessly optimise ourselves, but to become more grounded, peaceful, and at home within who we already are. Links stephanierigg.com instagram.com/stephanie__rigg

People in this episode

Host: Stephanie Rigg

Topics covered

  • self-improvement
  • personal growth
  • self-sabotage
  • healing
  • perfectionism
  • shame
  • self-acceptance

Keywords

  • self-improvement
  • personal growth
  • self-sabotage
  • healing
  • perfectionism
  • shame
  • inadequacy
  • self-acceptance
  • reflection
  • growth

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