84. Why You Self-Sabotage Your Big Goals (And How to Stop)

Have you ever set a big goal, started taking action, and then completely self-sabotaged?  You are not alone. In midlife, we often feel ready to make a significant change, whether it is a career pivot, starting a new business, or getting in shape. But then procrastination sets in, and we slide right back into our old habits. What if this self-sabotage isn't a sign of weakness, but a predictable, biological, psychological process that you have control over?  In this episode, we dive into the concept of the "Terror Barrier," a term from Bob Proctor's work, to explain why our minds resist change. We discuss the clash between your comfortable current reality and your exciting new goals, and how to successfully navigate the fear and anxiety that arise when you try to step out of your comfort zone. What You’ll Learn:✔ The Comfort Zone Trap: Why your subconscious brain loves your current routine and perceives new goals as a physical threat ✔ The Four Stages of Change: How to identify whether you are in Bondage, Reason, Conflict (the Terror Barrier), or Freedom✔ The Reality of Self-Sabotage: Why making excuses like "I'm too old" or "I don't have the skills" is your brain's desperate attempt to get back to safety ✔ Actionable Steps to Break Through: How to push forwardEpisode Chapters:00:00 - The frustrating cycle of midlife self-sabotage 02:44 - Hitting a wall and discovering the "Terror Barrier" 04:22 - The X Frequency: Why your brain loves the comfort zone 08:44 - The Y Idea: When your big goals clash with your subconscious 12:28 - Your nervous system's desperate attempt to get back to safety 14:55 - The four stages of change: Bondage, Reason, Conflict, and Freedom 17:34 - Actionable tips for breaking through the barrier 20:33 - Reprogramming your brain with a present-tense vision 22:35 - Growth and fear go hand-in-hand  Links & Resources:Cheryl's Midlife Recharge: cherylpfischer.com/recharge Why This Episode MattersGrowth and fear go hand in hand; there is no way to grow without moving through the fear. By understanding how your subconscious brain processes change, you can stop sitting on the fence and fully commit to the big ideas you truly want. Take a little bit better care of yourself in midlife.  Find the GreenSynergy Elixir and Energy Fizz duo at cherylpfischer.com/greens. Grab your water bottle, add these, and enjoy!Support the show🌸 Liked this episode? Share it with fellow Gen X women navigating hormone balance, an empty nest, and/or self-confidence!🫶 Love this show? Leave a review to help more women over 50 find us.💡Want menopause advice, mindset shifts, or support with midlife transformation?Find out more about the Midlife Recharge at cherylpfischer.com/coachingLet’s talk health after 50, self-talk, and redefining aging for women — without the “midlife crisis” narrative. Every week I'm adding new success strategies for midlife women.Connect with Cheryl: Instagram | LinkedIn | Website