Self-sabotage when approaching success has identifiable causes: fear of change, identity conflict, discomfort with attention, fear of maintaining a new state, or unworthiness beliefs. Research by Gay Hendricks describes “upper limit problems”—unconscious self-sabotage when exceeding comfort zones. Brown’s work on shame shows unworthiness beliefs drive self-defeating behavior. The sabotage isn’t random; it’s protective.
This companion covers the pattern, possible causes, the protective function, questions to explore, breaking the pattern, and the long-term work. (4 min read)