#self-imposed obstacle

• Self-handicap — A barrier, difficulty, or impediment that an individual or a group creates or imposes upon themselves, consciously or unconsciously; a practical manifestation of the self-handicapping strategy. In the psychology of success, it represents a structural defensive mechanism whereby a person creates beforehand justifications or real obstacles (such as procrastination, lack of sleep, or overcommitting) to protect their self-esteem in case of an eventual failure.