Have you ever felt like you’re the one standing in your own way?
You want change. You know what matters. And somehow you still find yourself procrastinating, shutting down, overthinking, or slipping back into old habits.
What if that isn’t weakness?
What if it isn’t a lack of motivation or discipline?
In this episode, I’m exploring self-sabotage through a completely different lens—your nervous system.
When our brain believes something feels unsafe—even something we deeply want—it often chooses familiarity over growth. That doesn’t mean you’re broken. It means your nervous system is doing exactly what it was designed to do: protect you.
We’ll talk about why self-sabotage happens, what neuroscience tells us about these patterns, and how regulation—not willpower—is often the missing piece.
I’ll also share the simple five-step framework I’ve been using in my own life whenever I notice myself getting stuck, spinning in old thoughts, or shrinking back into my comfort zone.
If you’ve ever wondered why change can feel so hard—even when you truly want it—this episode is for you.
In this episode we discuss:
- Why self-sabotage is often a protection strategy instead of a character flaw
- How the nervous system influences procrastination, perfectionism and avoidance
- The role of cognitive dissonance and the amygdala during change
- Why regulation creates access to choice
- A simple five-step framework for moving from protection to growth
- Small daily practices that help build new neural pathways with compassion
I’d love to hear what resonated with you. Come connect with me at The Sober Nutritionist and let me know what you’re noticing in your own life.
Warmly,
Teri
