The Hidden Psychology of Self-Sabotage for Coaches & Entrepreneurs

Self-sabotage in business rarely looks like failure. More often, it disguises itself as logic, integrity, alignment, or “being responsible.” 

In this episode, I'm unpacking the psychology of self-sabotage through the lens of the nervous system—and naming the six most convincing, sneaky patterns that quietly block growth for coaches, therapists, and heart-led entrepreneurs.

You’ll learn why self-sabotage isn’t a mindset issue, but a threat response rooted in the brain and nervous system, and how patterns like over-preparing, under-selling, chronic urgency, price hesitation, and spiritualized avoidance can keep you stuck without ever looking like fear.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing “everything right” but still not seeing the level of income, visibility, or momentum you desire, this episode will help you:

• Identify the hidden self-sabotage patterns in your business
 • Understand the nervous-system drivers behind them
 • Distinguish true alignment from avoidance
 • Begin building safety for expansion, visibility, and sustainable success

This episode is especially powerful for coaches, therapists, wellness practitioners, and purpose-led entrepreneurs ready to grow without burning themselves out or staying stuck in over-preparation.

Expansion doesn’t require force. It requires safety. Let’s talk about what’s really been in the way.

Connect With Me Via IG (and feel free to drop any questions you want me to cover in the podcast!): @nikki.heyder

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Chapters

• 0:00 Introduction
• 0:40 What Self-Sabotage Really Is
• 1:48 Why the Brain Creates Sneaky Blocks
• 5:24 The Nervous System’s Real Priority
• 6:08 How Business Triggers Old Emotional Memories
• 8:51 The Brain Justifies Avoidance with Logic
• 10:56 Self-Sabotage Pattern #1: Waiting to Feel Ready
• 15:22 Self-Sabotage Pattern #2: Avoiding Being ‘Salesy’
• 19:35 Self-Sabotage Pattern #3: Constantly Changing Your Niche
• 23:42 Self-Sabotage Pattern #4: Thriving Only Under Pressure
• 27:36 Self-Sabotage Pattern #5: Delaying Raising Prices
• 31:53 Self-Sabotage Pattern #6: ‘Following My Energy’ as Avoidance
• 35:50 The Real Medicine: Safety + Updating the System