Inner bastard: how to overcome it permanently

You know exactly what you should be doing - but you just don't do it. Instead of exercising, you scroll through social media. Instead of starting, you procrastinate. Everyone knows this sluggish, reluctant feeling: the one's weaker self. But what is actually behind it? In this article, you will find out where it comes from, what it is trying to tell you and how you can learn not only to overcome it, but also to use it as a signal for real change.

What is the inner bastard?

The "inner bastard" is a colloquial term for the psychological tendency to put off unpleasant things or stand in one's own way. It is not a real enemy, but an expression of inner resistance: fear, perfectionism, habit or lack of motivation.

From a neurobiological perspective, our brain prefers short-term rewards to long-term benefits. The inner bastard is therefore an energy-saving program that wants to protect you from supposed effort - often at the expense of your goals.

Causes: Where does the inner bastard come from?

Resistance rarely comes from laziness. There are usually deeper triggers involved:

• Unclear goalsIf the "why" is missing, the energy to start is also missing.
• Fear of failureBetter not to start than to fail.
• PerfectionismThe demand to make everything perfect immediately is paralyzing.
• Emotional exhaustionIf you are empty inside, you have no strength for change.

These psychological mechanisms can be overcome - if you recognize and reflect on them (More on the topic of self-sabotage).

Consequences: When you let your inner bastard run wild

In the short term, avoiding unpleasant tasks brings relief. But in the long term, you pay a high price:

• Missed opportunities and stagnating development
• Constant guilty conscience
• Low self-confidence and inner dissatisfaction

The good news is that everyone can learn self-efficacy. You don't need radical discipline, but rather access to your true inner drives.

Strategies: How to overcome your inner bastard

There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but there are many effective strategies. The important thing is to find out what works for you.

1. create clarity

Define what you really want - not what you "should" do. A goal with an emotional connection has more driving force.

2. choose realistic steps

Plans that are too big are overwhelming. Start with something small: five minutes of exercise, write a page, make a phone call.

3. establish routines

Automated habits require less willpower. A fixed time or place helps you to stick to it.

4. integrate emotions

Instead of fighting against resistance, you can acknowledge it: What do I really need right now?

"Your inner bastard is not an opponent, but a guide. It shows you where development is still possible."
- Dr. Stefan Frädrichfounder of Greator and motivational expert

Recognize and transform typical beliefs

It is often not circumstances, but deeply rooted beliefs that hold us back. If you believe "I'm just not sporty" or "I can't motivate myself", your behavior will follow suit.

Examples of blocking thoughts:

• "I'm not disciplined enough."
• "I never learned that."
• "I can't do it anyway."

You can question and rewrite these inner sentences through targeted reflection, coaching or journaling (Dissolve beliefs).

Tools that can support you

Sometimes a little impulse from outside helps to outwit the inner bastard:

• Personality Test: Find out what really drives you
• Micro targets: Tarpaulin so small that you feel no resistance
• Accountability Partner: Make appointments with others for joint routines
• Visualization: Imagine the state to before doing it: How does the result feel?

A particularly effective way to get started is the free Training to dissolve inner blockages. Here you will learn to recognize mental and emotional resistance - and to resolve it sustainably.

In the following video, expert Dr. Stefan Frädrich explains how you can motivate your inner couch potato.

Conclusion: You can overcome your inner bastard

Your inner bastard is not a character flaw, but a protective mechanism - but it no longer has to control you. With clarity, realistic goals and a conscious approach to your emotions, you can learn to understand and transform it.

If you're ready to get to know yourself better, sign up for our free course "This is how you dissolve your blockades" - and take the first step towards real change.