While seafarers are trained to navigate the unpredictability of the sea on the outside, they also face an equally turbulent internal journey.

Self-sabotage or self-defeating behaviour—a key theme in the novel—is something many seafarers may experience unknowingly. Whether it’s resisting professional growth, struggling with self-doubt, or avoiding emotional processing, these internal barriers affect both career and personal life.

It is not about lacking discipline or willpower. Instead, it is the subconscious tendency to fulfil an unmet emotional need, originating from fear, past experiences, or deep-seated beliefs. Self-sabotage can manifest in various behaviours:

  • Resistance to career growth: Avoiding promotions or training programmes due to fear of added responsibility
  • Struggles with isolation: Withdrawing from crewmates or family instead of addressing feelings of loneliness
  • Negative self-talk: Questioning one’s capabilities despite years of experience
  • Unhealthy coping mechanisms: Overindulgence in vices during shore leave to escape stress

The crucial first step is to recognise these behaviours. Then, we need to understand why they occur so that we can overcome them. Here are the steps towards overcoming self-sabotage:

Identify the root cause of resistance

Seafarers often experience resistance when faced with career advancements or personal growth opportunities. This resistance isn’t a sign of failure, it’s a defence mechanism. It may stem from a fear of failure or the unknown.

Step 1: Reflect on the moments you resisted change. Ask yourself this: Am I afraid of failing or am I afraid of success? Think of a person who can guide or play the role of a mentor to sail though these confusing times or moments of self-doubt.

Challenge Limiting Beliefs

Many seafarers unknowingly carry limiting beliefs perhaps a childhood notion that ultimately influences behaviour and career decisions.

Step 2: Challenge old narratives by asking: Is this belief serving me, or is it holding me back? If it is holding me back, learn to overcome your fears and anxieties to conquer the desired goal.

Process Emotions Instead of Suppressing Them

Long contracts, separation from loved ones, and high-pressure situations can lead to emotional buildup. Many seafarers suppress feelings rather than process them, leading to stress, anxiety, and, in extreme cases, depression.

Step 3: Develop a habit that helps with emotional release on board such as journaling, meditation, deep conversations with trusted crewmates, or simply allow yourself time to acknowledge these emotions. It is suggested that allowing a moment of breakdown when overwhelmed, helps one to let go of unrealised stress and negativity.

Avoid Uprooting – Commit to a Goal

Seafarers often move between contracts, companies, and training programmes without a clear direction, which can lead to frustration. Uprooting occurs when we constantly seek fresh starts without fully investing in our current situation.

Step 4: Define a long-term career goal like to be a Master or Chief Engineer, or complete specialised maritime training. You can also define one area of your personal life such as fitness, finance, or relationships, and commit to improving it for six months. Consistency reduces the habit of uprooting and keeps one focused on meaningful goals.

Embrace Small, Sustainable Changes

Oftentimes, self-sabotage arises when we overwhelm ourselves with drastic lifestyle changes. These unrealistic expectations tire us out and compels us to abandon our self-improvement goals.

Step 5: Instead of aiming for perfection, focus on small, sustainable changes. For example, if improvement of physical fitness is your goal, start off by committing 15 minutes of exercise daily rather than jumping straight into an intense, unsustainable regimen.

Prioritise Mental Clarity Over Distractions

Self-sabotage thrives in chaotic, disorganised environments because it distracts you from thinking clearly. A cluttered cabin, unfinished reports, or an unstructured daily routine can make everything feel overwhelming.

Step 6: Organise your workspace and cabin. A clean environment creates a sense of control.

Cultivate a Growth-Oriented Community

The people we choose to surround ourselves with can have more impact on us than realised. Spending time with negative, uninspired individuals may cause us to adopt the same outlook.

Step 7: Identify and seek mentors and colleagues who inspire growth in you.

As a seafarer, you conquer vast oceans, harsh weather, and unpredictable circumstances. However, the greatest challenge lies within yourself, you are the mountain you must climb. Overcoming self-defeating behaviours or beliefs requires self-awareness, emotional willpower, and practical strategies for change. So, just as you navigate rough seas with skill and patience, you can navigate your own internal barriers and emerge stronger than ever.

If you or a fellow seafarer are facing challenges while onboard, please feel free to reach out to the in-house counsellors, Ms. Harshali Kotekar hr2@executiveship.com) and Ms. Glenda D’Silva (welfare2@samundra.com)