Whether it's substance abuse, workaholism, compulsive shopping, or procrastination, all self-defeating behavior has a common purpose: short-term, immediate benefit over long-term gain. This book's self-directed, step-by-step approach grew out of the author's own recovery from self-defeating behavior. Her real-life examples, exercises, and action plans help you zero in on the self-defeating behaviors that can undermine your life. Then you learn skills such as positive self-talk, visualization, goal setting, and risk taking that will break down the barriers that keep you from reaching your life's true potential.