Episode 39

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Published on:

14th Apr 2026

When Self-Care Is Self-Sabotage (And How to Tell the Difference)

You know that moment when you tell yourself you're too tired to do the thing you committed to… and it feels completely reasonable in the moment?

You're not making excuses. You're not being lazy. You're taking care of yourself. And the worst part is, nobody can tell you you're wrong because rest is healthy, boundaries are healthy, and burnout is real.

But what if that feeling of reasonableness is exactly the problem? What if your brain has gotten so good at protecting you from discomfort that it's now wrapping self-sabotage in the most socially acceptable disguise it's ever found?

In this episode, you'll learn how to tell the difference between self-care and self-sabotage and what it actually looks like to take care of yourself and keep your word at the same time.

IN THIS EPISODE

  • Why "I need to rest" has become the one excuse nobody can argue with - and why that's exactly what makes it so dangerous.
  • What self-care actually means for leaders and entrepreneurs - and why the definition might completely change how you see the thing you've been avoiding all week.
  • Why the more self-aware you become, the sneakier your sabotage gets, and here's what that actually looks like in real life.
  • The two conflicting needs that are quietly running the show - and why until you name the war happening inside you, no amount of strategy will fix it.
  • What the military can teach you about how much you're actually capable of - and why your brain is lying to you about when you've hit your limit.
  • The one internal checklist to run before you cancel on yourself again - because the answer tells you immediately whether you need rest or courage.
  • What's really underneath the avoidance when fatigue isn't actually the problem - and how to trace it back to its root so it stops running your decisions.
  • The two action steps to take after this episode.

RESOURCES

DM us TRAINING on Instagram to join the leadership training and transform your life in 90 days: https://www.instagram.com/freedomwithgiorgiaandawn

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About the Podcast

Unleash Your Freedom
Unleash Your Freedom gives trailblazers, rebels, dreamers and creators who are done playing small the mindset, strategies, and insights that will set you free.
Welcome to Unleash Your Freedom, a podcast for the trailblazers, rebels, dreamers and creators who are done playing small and are ready to create freedom and fulfilment in every area of their life.

Each week, leadership coaches Dawn and Giorgia bring you exclusive interviews with visionary leaders, inspiring stories of courage and resilience, and actionable mindset trainings to support you in breaking through inner barriers, lead with confidence, and master emotional intelligence, so you can finally start owning your power and build the life you came here for.

Whether you’re looking to level up your career, strengthen your relationships, or simply take control of your life, you’re in the right place. Get ready to unlock the mindset, strategies, and insights that will set you free.

It’s time to lead, grow, and unleash your freedom!

About your host

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Giorgia & Dawn

We are leadership coaches who met on our journey to becoming free while coaching together. Now we're coaching high-achieving people into breaking through their inner barriers, achieving those goals they once thought impossible, and truly unleashing their freedom.