The Saboteur, Self-Sabotage And… A Mindset Reset
Or, what sabotage is really trying to tell you
“It’s a lot easier to sabotage your career than to have a career to sabotage.” – Win Butler
Before we get into the newsletter, a confession: I have managed to triple-book myself and in a vain attempt to protect my sanity, after today I’ll be sending out a newsletter every two weeks rather than weekly for the next month or two. Bear with me... 🙃
I wanted to talk this week about self-sabotage and take a closer look at the Saboteur archetype.
If you can’t keep the Saboteur under control you will forever sell yourself short.
According to Caroline Myss, “The Saboteur is the mirror that reflects your fears of taking responsibility for yourself and what you create.”
It’s all about how you tolerate change. We all want to do amazing things in the world… so why do we keep playing small and settling for the ordinary?
It’s time to empower yourself. When you can tap into the light side of the Saboteur, you’ll realise it’s actually warning you of situations where you’re in danger of being sabotaged, or of sabotaging yourself and not actually deliberately trying to stop you.
This is a subtle difference and it’s our job to transition from the saboteur as a block to the Saboteur as a helpful voice that warns us we’re about to trip ourselves up.
So, grab a glass of something sophisticated – perhaps a crisp rosé to match the spring air (or a heavy Malbec if you’re currently hiding from your inbox) – and let’s see how the Saboteur shows up for each of the Sacred Money Archetypes.
Ruler
The Ruler is driven to lead, but the Saboteur fears the weight of the crown.
The Sabotage: You suddenly stop delegating and become a control freak, micromanaging your team until they quit, or “forgetting” to follow up on a partnership that would scale your empire.
The Mindset Change: Recognize that true power is collaborative. Choose to lead through trust.
Your “I AM”: I AM safe to be powerful and supported.
Accumulator
The Accumulator wants security, but the Saboteur fears that “more money” means “more risk.”
The Sabotage: You get bogged down in the administrative weeds, meticulously colour-coding your receipts for six hours instead of making the three sales calls that would actually move the needle.
The Mindset Change: Distinguish between “being busy” and “being profitable.” Choose high-value strategy over low-value chores.
Your “I AM”: I AM productive, profitable, and focused on growth.
Connector
The Connector values relationships, but the Saboteur fears that charging a premium will “ruin the vibe.”
The Sabotage: You turn a discovery call into a 90-minute free coaching session. You leave the call feeling “liked” but without a deposit, effectively sabotaging your business to save a friendship that doesn’t exist yet.
The Mindset Change: Realize that a financial exchange is a form of respect. Choose professional boundaries as an act of love.
Your “I AM”: I AM worthy of receiving wealth through my connections.
Alchemist
The Alchemist loves the “Idea,” but the Saboteur is terrified of the “Launch.”
The Sabotage: You create a brilliant new program, but instead of launching it, you decide you need “one more certification” or a “total rebrand.” You keep the magic in your head so it can’t be judged in the world.
The Mindset Change: Perfection is the enemy of prosperity. Choose “imperfect action” over “perfect stagnation.”
Your “I AM”: I AM grounded, clear and launching my magic now.
Maverick
The Maverick loves to break rules, but the Saboteur fears that success equals “becoming the establishment.”
The Sabotage: You intentionally ignore a “proven” strategy that would double your income because it feels too “mainstream.” You stay a “starving rebel” because your Saboteur thinks profit is for sell-outs.
The Mindset Change: Money is the ultimate tool for rebellion. Choose to fund your revolution.
Your “I AM”: I AM a wealthy rebel making my own rules.
Celebrity
The Celebrity wants the spotlight, but the Saboteur fears the “trolls” that come with it.
The Sabotage: You’re offered a major podcast or publication spot (The Observer is calling!) and you suddenly get “too busy” to prepare, or you “accidentally” miss the recording. You play small to stay safe.
The Mindset Change: Your message is bigger than your fear of criticism. Choose the spotlight over the shadows.
Your “I AM”: I AM luminous, visible, and highly compensated.
Nurturer
The Nurturer wants to care for everyone, but the Saboteur fears that self-care is “selfish.”
The Sabotage: You “rescue” a client by giving them a massive discount they didn’t ask for, or you work through your weekend to help someone else’s crisis, sabotaging your own rest and revenue in the process.
The Mindset Change: You cannot pour from an empty cup – or an empty bank account. Choose to nurture yourself first.
Your “I AM”: I AM prosperous so that I can be truly generous.
Romantic
The Romantic wants life to be lovely, but the Saboteur fears the “boring” work of sustaining it.
The Sabotage: Just as your business requires a bit of grounding structure, you decide it’s the perfect time for a “spiritual retreat” or a massive shopping spree at Waitrose. You chase pleasure to escape the pressure of growth.
The Mindset Change: Discipline is the bridge to luxury. Choose the structure that supports your sensuality.
Your “I AM”: I AM grounded in reality while living in luxury.
If you’ve noticed yourself tripping just as you’re about to cross into your 20-hour work week, don’t beat yourself up. That’s just your Saboteur doing her job. She just needs a better job description.
Your Mindset Reset: Identify the “choice” you’ve been avoiding. Is it the launch? The price increase? The boundary? Use your “I AM” statement to signal to your Saboteur that you are safe to make progress and step into your ideal life.
Ready to Stop the Sabotage?
If you’re tired of being your own biggest obstacle, let’s get surgical. Book a 1:1 Virtual VIP Day. We’ll identify your specific “Sabotage Style,” and perform a total Mindset Shift so you can finally lead your archetypes instead of letting them lead you.
You deserve a business that feels like a victory, not a struggle.
#saboteurarchetype #moneymindset #sacredmoneyarchetypes #mavericksandmalbec #selfsabotage
I’ll see you on 8 May!
P.S.
And don’t forget! You can catch up on our wider archetype work anytime. From the Ruler to the Saboteur, the archive is waiting for you.
To find out where you stand, just complete this Assessment – here are the instructions and the Sacred Money Archetype cards – and see which archetype is currently holding the pen as you write your financial future.
If you’re ready to stop the dance of “one step forward, two steps back,” let’s talk: hello@mavericksandmalbec.com.
Here’s the archive:
Click to uncover the characteristics of the Ruler, Accumulator, Connector, Alchemist, Maverick, Celebrity,Nurturer and Romantic Sacred Money Archetypes and their specific mindsets: Ruler, Accumulator, Connector,Alchemist, Maverick, Celebrity, Nurturer and Romantic.
And here are the characteristics of the four Survival archetypes: the Child, Victim, Prostitute and Saboteur and, their mindsets: the Child, Victim, Prostitute and Saboteur.
Enjoy!
… and if you enjoyed it…