Episode
SELF SABOTAGE - avoiding the work we know is necessary
- Podcast
- Midlife Mayhem
- Published
- Jun 22, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 2057
- Processing state
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Summary
Self-Sabotage, Negative Lumping & The Hidden Reasons We Stay Stuck Why do intelligent, capable people keep getting in their own way? In this episode of Midlife Mayhem, Joanne dives into one of the most frustrating human behaviors: self-sabotage. Whether it's body composition, business, relationships, or personal growth, most of us have experienced the feeling of knowing exactly what we should do—and then not doing it. Joanne explores the deeper reasons behind self-sabotage, including fear of change, fear of success, limiting beliefs, identity conflicts, procrastination, perfectionism, and negative self-talk. She also introduces a powerful concept called negative lumping—the habit of ignoring progress and focusing only on what's missing. If you've ever felt stuck despite wanting change, this episode will challenge you to look beneath the surface and identify what's really holding you back. In This Episode: What self-sabotage really is (and why it isn't laziness) The uncomfortable truth about "not doing the work you know is necessary" Why your brain often chooses certainty over possibility Fear of success vs. fear of failure The role of identity in personal transformation Limiting beliefs formed in childhood and early life Why procrastination is often fear in disguise How perfectionism can become a form of avoidance The impact of negative self-talk on behavior and outcomes Why familiarity often feels safer than growth Emotional numbing through busyness, scrolling, food, alcohol, and distraction The psychology behind weight regain and identity gaps What "negative lumping" is and how it destroys motivation How to stop focusing on the gap and start recognizing the gain Practical strategies to overcome self-sabotage Why practicing your future identity is more powerful th…