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Self-Sabotage in Business: Why Fear of Success Is Holding You Back From Making More Money

Writer's picture: Karen GargisoKaren Gargiso

As entrepreneurs, we often dream of scaling our businesses, increasing our revenue, and achieving financial freedom. But it’s a double edged sword, isn’t it? For many service-based business owners, there's an invisible barrier standing in the way: a fear of responsibility and with it a fear of what could go wrong if they take on more responsibility. 


If when you sit and dream up running your business as it scales 2x or 10x more you notice questions like:

“What if I can’t hold it all?”

“What if I let people down?”

“What if that’s too much for me?”


Or one of the most common questions of all, “What if I’m not good enough to stay successful at that level?”


…you’re not alone and you likely have a fear of responsibility that is causing you to self-sabotage.



Is Your Fear of More Success Keeping You Stuck?


When we think about responsibility, it can feel overwhelming. The idea of taking on more—whether it’s managing finances, leading a team, or expanding our service offerings—can send you down a rabbit hole of what if’s. When business owners entertain the fear-based what if’s more than the trust-based what if’s, it often leads to procrastinating or avoiding crucial tasks that are essential for business growth.


For example, a service-based business owner might hesitate to invest in a financial advisor or bookkeeper, fearing that it will lead to additional responsibilities in managing those relationships. Ironically, this avoidance only adds to their burden, leaving them overwhelmed and stuck in a cycle of uncertainty.



Common Business Responsibilities You Might Be Avoiding


Financial Management: Many entrepreneurs shy away from budgeting or tracking their expenses, fearing that the numbers might not add up. This avoidance leads to a lack of clarity about their financial health, making it difficult to make informed decisions.


Delegation: As business owners, we often feel the need to do everything ourselves. This desire for control can prevent us from delegating tasks, whether it’s hiring an assistant, outsourcing marketing, or bringing in a financial expert. While it feels safer to manage everything on our own, it often leads to burnout and missed opportunities.


Setting Boundaries: Fear of upsetting clients can lead to overcommitment, where you say yes to every project instead of prioritizing what truly aligns with your goals. This lack of boundary-setting can dilute your focus and effectiveness, resulting in a plateau in revenue.



The Self-Sabotage Patterns Blocking Your Business Growth


Perfectionism: When you’re afraid of failing, you might feel the need to perfect every detail of your services or marketing materials before you can launch. This often leads to analysis paralysis, preventing you from taking the steps necessary to grow your business.


Procrastination: When responsibilities feel daunting, it's easy to put off tasks indefinitely. Whether it’s updating your website, sending out marketing materials, or networking, procrastination keeps you from taking the steps that could elevate your business.


Fear of Pricing Yourself Correctly: Many service-based business owners struggle with charging what they’re worth. This fear can lead to underpricing your services, making it difficult to grow your revenue while feeling overworked and underappreciated.



Ways to Overcome Your Fear of Success and Scaling Your Business


Shift Your Mindset: Instead of viewing responsibility as a burden, see it as an opportunity for growth. Embracing your responsibilities can lead to new avenues for revenue and personal development.


Start Small: If the idea of taking on more responsibilities feels overwhelming, begin by making small changes. For instance, commit to a weekly budget check or delegate one task per month. Gradually increasing your responsibilities will help you build confidence and capacity.


Seek Support: Surround yourself with mentors, coaches, or peers who can provide guidance and encouragement. Having a support system can alleviate the fear of responsibility and empower you to take bold steps toward your business goals.


Reflect on Past Successes: Take a moment to reflect on times when you embraced responsibility and saw positive outcomes. Recognizing your capacity for handling challenges can inspire you to take action again.



Embrace Responsibility and Break Free from Limitations


Your fear of responsibility doesn’t have to dictate your financial success. By confronting these fears and embracing the responsibilities that come with running a business, you can unlock new levels of growth and achievement. Remember, the road to success is often paved with challenges—but facing them head-on can lead to the rewards you've been dreaming of.


It’s time to break free from self-sabotage, step into your power, and let responsibility be a stepping stone toward the abundant life you deserve.


Scaling your business and taking on more responsibilities are not synonymous. Many of our clients hire help to manage their finances and help them strategize financially right before they see massive growth in their reality. You just need the right mindset, systems, and support to step into it without hesitation.


Let’s rewrite your money story, make growth fun and easeful, and get you the kind of support that feels like a sigh of relief as you scale your business. Book a call and see how Sacred Money can help.




Photo of Karen Gargiso on the sidewalk in front of a cafe wearing a colorful floral floor length dress smiling at the camera.

Hey there! I’m Karen.


I'm the Founder & CEO of Sacred Money Inc., where I empower spiritually-minded entrepreneurs to heal their financial wounds and manage their money with confidence and grace.


We offer a unique blend of practical financial expertise, including bookkeeping and tax services, with trauma-informed coaching.


My work is here to guide you toward financial resilience and abundance. I'm passionate about transforming the way we think about money and integrating it with our values, pleasures, and spiritual practices.



Ready for Financial Empowerment?


If you’d like a 1:1 consultation to help you navigate your current financial budget and begin designing an actionable plan to better your relationship with money, schedule a Discovery Call with us.




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