Have you ever sabotaged your progress because it felt easier than standing out? As seven-year-old Helga raced toward the finish line, it was clear she would win. But suddenly, she turned around and let everyone pass her. Why? Because she felt uncomfortable being in the lead. This moment captures a lifelong pattern of holding back when she’s about to succeed. Helga even found herself doing the same thing in her relationship with alcohol, feeling like she didn’t deserve a better life. In this episode, Coach Mike helps Helga see how her instinct to pull back is really about staying safe. Together, they explore how fear and guilt can actually become tools for growth, and why learning to love herself is the only way to break free. In this episode, Coach Mike and Helga will discuss: - Why we feel nervous about standing out - How negative emotions can benefit us - The problem with loving yourself conditionally - Toning down your true self with alcohol  - How self-sabotage can be a way to protect yourself - Turning negative feelings into tools for growth - Learning to embrace your unique self - Why it feels safer to fit in than stand out - How to stop holding yourself back - Celebrating your wins without guilt - And other topics… Mike Shennan is a Certified Naked Mind Senior Coach who helps people take back control from alcohol, especially those who have seen their drinking habits gradually escalate as they reach mid-life. Using his own experiences and This Naked Mind methods, he guides his clients in changing how they think about drinking. Having lost both parents to alcohol-related illnesses, he is passionate about how drinking can have an impact not just on oneself, but on everyone around them. Learn more about Coach Mike: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/mike-shennan/  Related Episodes: EP 46: Reader Question – How Do I Let Go of Self-Sabotage?: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-46-how-do-i-let-go-of-self-sabotage/  EP 596: Reader Question – Why do I self-sabotage?: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-596-reader-question-choosing-hope-over-doubt/  Ready to take the next step on your journey?  Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, and more. Until next week, stay curious!