Stuck in rut – could it be a Victim Mindset is holding you back ?

Take a look at the below listed set of beliefs and attitudes. Do you subscribe to some or most of them?

1. I have no choice about what happens to me.
2. I am deserving of the bad things that happen to me.
3. I feel mostly pessimistic about my future.
4. I believe everyone else has it easier than me.
5. When I feel sorry for myself, it makes me feel better.
6. I have trouble coping with setbacks.
7. I have a tendency to ruminate about situations.
8. I blame other people for how my life is going.
9. I feel entitled to sympathy from others.

If you answered yes to 4 or more of the above statements, you might be someone who subscribes to what is called a victim mentality. Noone is born a victim. A victim mentality is not a personality trait, it is a learned behaviour.

What circumstances could lead to someone feeling like a victim and adopting a victim mindset?

1. A victim mindset can develop because of true victimization where adopting this mindset was a coping mechanism. Emotional pain can disrupt a person’s sense of control, thereby contributing to feelings of helplessness.
2. Betrayal of our trust, especially repeated betrayals can make one feel like a victim.
3. Not all negative situations are completely uncontrollable, often although, it may seem that way. Often there is at least some small action or step that can be taken that would lead to an improvement. People who feel like victims, believe they lack the power to change their situation, from their perspective they can do nothing to succeed or escape.
4. Negative self-talk contributes to feeling victimized. Over time negative self-talk can damage resilience, thus making it harder to bounce back from challenges. Negative self-talk also goes hand in hand with self-sabotage.

Six steps that you can take to overcome a victim mindset.

1. Take responsibility for what you can control in a life situation and how you react to it.
2. Engage in journaling as a daily habit to work through and not repress difficult, negative emotions.
3. Start to say no to things that do not align with your values.
4. Speak up to reclaim your power to change a situation.
5. Make yourself a priority and engage in self-care.
6. Practice gratitude daily for all the good that you already have in your life.