#91: When Comfort Blocks Progress—How Subconscious Fears Halt Investment

Season #3

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What if the reason you’re not moving forward in your business or finances isn't laziness or lack of ambition — but subtle, subconscious self-sabotage? In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on how high-achieving women unintentionally block their own success. We’ll uncover how behaviors like “playing it safe,” hoarding cash, or delaying decisions are really just fear in disguise — and how to break free. This episode is your wake-up call, your strategy session, and your permission slip to get out of your own way. If you've been waiting for the “right time” to take the leap — this is it.

I talk through the deeply personal (and often hidden) ways self-sabotage shows up in our lives — especially for ambitious, smart women who know they’re capable of more. Whether you’re holding onto a job that drains you, hesitating on an investment, or quietly avoiding the next bold step in your business… we’re getting to the root of why.

🎧 Listen to This If...

  • You’re frustrated with your lack of progress and can’t figure out why.

  • You’ve been thinking about investing in your growth but keep hesitating.

  • You’re holding back on launching that next offer, career pivot, or bold business idea.

  • You need a gentle (but firm) reality check with practical steps you can take today.

We talk about how fear, trauma, imposter syndrome, and even “saving” money can be subtle forms of self-protection that keep you stuck — and I walk you through the exact coaching process I use with my private clients to break the cycle. This one’s packed with real stories, raw truths, and practical strategies to get back in the driver’s seat of your goals. Let’s go.

🧠 Key Takeaways

  • Self-sabotage isn’t always dramatic — it’s often the tiny, daily decisions that quietly block your progress.

  • Imposter syndrome can make you believe you're only good at the role you're in now — not the one you're meant for.

  • Avoidance is protection. You’re not lazy; you’re protecting yourself from fear, shame, or perceived failure.

  • Financial hoarding ≠ safety. Saving without a strategy is emotional avoidance. Investing intentionally is power.

  • Your subconscious is running the show — until you consciously interrupt it with awareness and aligned action.

  • Accountability works. Speak your goals out loud, share them publicly, and use community to keep yourself moving.

✅ Actionable Insights

  1. Journal on avoidance.
    What am I avoiding by not taking the next step (hiring a coach, investing, launching my business)?

  2. Uncover protection mechanisms.
    How might I be subconsciously protecting myself from failure, judgment, or uncertainty?

  3. Take a micro-action.
    → Don’t leap. Nibble. Start with a small investment, one post, one phone call. Action breeds clarity.

  4. Set public accountability.
    → Say your goal out loud, post it, or tell a friend. You’re more likely to follow through.

  5. Tie behavior to values.
    → If your goal is to create freedom, legacy, or connection, does your current behavior align?

📚 Resources Mentioned

  • Book: 101 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think by Brianna Wiest

  • Quote: “Self-sabotage is getting exactly what you want — based on the beliefs you're reinforcing every day.”

  • Study: Founder Institute’s survey of 185,000 entrepreneurs on mindset and success

  • Research: 2018 National Study on Financial Worry & Psychological Distress

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