The Subconscious Saboteur: Why We Resist What We Want Most

Teresa Saunders
May 28
3 min read

Have you ever asked yourself:

“Why do I keep getting in my own way?”

You set the intention. You know the outcome you want. Maybe it’s a healthier lifestyle, breaking a habit, growing your confidence—or simply feeling more in control.

And yet… you stall.

You put things off.

You do the very things you promised yourself you wouldn’t.

That internal tug-of-war isn’t laziness or weakness—it’s a subconscious protection mechanism. And until we understand it, it can quietly sabotage the very changes we crave the most.

🧠 Your Subconscious: Loyal… but Outdated

Let’s talk brain science for a moment.

The subconscious mind runs approximately 90–95% of our daily behaviours—a staggering statistic supported by neuroscience research (Bargh & Morsella, 2008). That means most of what we do, think, and feel throughout the day is guided not by conscious decision-making, but by deeply embedded mental patterns.

These patterns are often formed through:

Childhood experiences
Emotional conditioning
Repeated associations
Social and cultural messaging

The problem? These outdated “scripts” don’t update automatically when your life changes. So even when your conscious mind wants to grow, your subconscious mind might be gripping onto an old belief like:

“Change is dangerous.”
“I’m not good enough.”
“I need this habit to feel safe.”

It’s not trying to sabotage you. It’s trying to protect you—based on a story that no longer serves you.

🌀 Cognitive Dissonance: The Inner Conflict

This clash between the conscious and subconscious creates what psychologists call cognitive dissonance—the tension that arises when our behaviours and beliefs are misaligned.

Ever notice how this shows up?

You decide to stop smoking… and suddenly crave it more.
You plan to speak up… but stay silent at the last moment.
You want to exercise… and find every excuse not to.

This is your subconscious saying, “That’s not who we are. Let’s go back to the familiar.”

🔐 Why Willpower Isn’t Enough

Many of us try to push through with willpower. But research consistently shows that willpower is limited—like a muscle that fatigues with overuse (Baumeister et al., 1998).

That’s why we often start strong with changes… only to fall back into old habits.

Real, lasting transformation doesn’t come from force. It comes from alignment.

And that’s where hypnotherapy becomes such a powerful tool.

✨ How Hypnotherapy Works with the Subconscious

Hypnotherapy uses a focused, relaxed state to bypass the critical mind and access the subconscious directly. It’s safe, natural, and backed by decades of clinical research (Hammond, 2010).

During hypnosis, we can:

Identify outdated beliefs driving resistance
Reframe old narratives into empowering truths
Create new neural pathways aligned with your goals
Build a strong, confident identity that supports success

It’s not about “fixing” you. It’s about reconnecting you to the part of yourself that already knows how to thrive.

🧭 Try This Gentle Reflection

Let’s pause for a moment.

Think of something you really want—perhaps something you've struggled to achieve.

Now ask yourself gently:💬

What part of me might be afraid of this?

What belief could be sitting underneath my resistance?

You might be surprised at what surfaces.

Resistance is often a call for compassion, not criticism.

💡 You Can Work With Your Mind, Not Against It

When we understand the subconscious saboteur, everything shifts. Instead of fighting yourself, you begin to partner with yourself.

You approach change with curiosity, not control.

And that’s where real momentum builds.

Hypnotherapy offers a powerful path to this alignment—and whether it’s breaking habits, reducing stress, boosting confidence, or unlocking a goal, I’m here to walk that path with you.