The Truth About Self-Sabotage

What if self-sabotage isn't really sabotage at all? In this episode of The Sober Edge, Teri Patterson explores how many of the behaviors we criticize—procrastination, perfectionism, avoidance, people-pleasing, and even shutting down—may actually be nervous system strategies designed to keep us safe. Drawing on neuroscience, nervous system regulation, and her own experience after more than ten years alcohol-free, Teri explains why growth can feel threatening, why we return to familiar patterns, and how compassion creates lasting change far more effectively than criticism ever could. Rather than asking, "What's wrong with me?" this episode invites listeners to ask a different question: "What is this behavior trying to protect me from?" It's a conversation about moving from fear to curiosity, from judgment to understanding, and creating the safety our brains need to build new pathways forward. Show Notes HERE