Episode Summary: "The Quiet Spiral of Self-Sabotage and Comparison No One Talks About in Business"

Podcast: Call Her Creator with Katelyn Rhoades
Host: Katelyn Rhoades
Episode: Ep. 78
Release Date: July 9, 2025

Introduction: Navigating the Messy Middle

In Episode 78 of Call Her Creator, Katelyn Rhoades delves deep into the often-overlooked challenges faced by creators and entrepreneurs: self-sabotage and the pervasive habit of comparison. Unlike her typical empowering episodes, Katelyn takes a vulnerable approach, sharing her personal struggles and offering actionable insights to help listeners overcome similar hurdles.

Katelyn’s Personal Struggle: A Week in the Spiral

Katelyn opens the episode by candidly discussing a particularly tough week. She confesses, "[00:25] I almost didn't even record this and honestly, if I didn't have this mic in front of me, I'd probably still be sitting in my own spiral because that's what this week has just been super weird for me." This honesty sets the tone for an episode that balances vulnerability with actionable advice.

Despite her consistent efforts—posting regularly, launching new offerings, and engaging in strategic planning—Katelyn felt stagnant. She resonates with many listeners who are diligently working yet not seeing the expected returns, encapsulating the essence of the "messy middle."

Understanding Self-Sabotage: The Hidden Barrier

Katelyn identifies self-sabotage as a primary obstacle that undermines success. She explains, "self sabotage. Which is really crazy because someone mentioned this today... But it didn't." (04:15) Here, she highlights how minor setbacks, like a reel garnering fewer views than hoped, can trigger a self-defeating mindset.

She defines self-sabotage as the brain's protective mechanism when external results don't align with internal efforts. This response often manifests as procrastination, reduced visibility, or hesitancy to promote one's work, all stemming from an underlying fear disguised as strategic caution.

The Impact of Instagram on Self-Sabotage: A Double-Edged Sword

Instagram, while an invaluable tool for building a brand, often exacerbates feelings of inadequacy and comparison. Katelyn delves into the psychological toll of the platform:

• Dopamine Dependency: "[...] every like, comment, or view gives you a dopamine hit. But when engagement drops, you feel a crash similar to a withdrawal." (07:30) This cycle makes self-worth increasingly tied to performance metrics.

• Highlight Reel Illusion: "You're seeing the final product of someone's tenth launch... Your brain forgets that and compares your real-time process to their edited success." (09:45) This skewed perception fuels constant comparison, leading to heightened stress and self-doubt.

• Cortisol Surge from Comparison: "Comparison triggers cortisol... even 10 minutes of Instagram scrolling can increase your anxiety, especially in high-achieving women." (10:20)

Katelyn acknowledges her own reliance on Instagram for her brand, making her insights both relatable and grounded in personal experience.

Breaking the Self-Sabotage Loop: Strategies for Recovery

To combat the destructive cycle of self-sabotage, Katelyn offers a structured approach:

1. Interrupt the Pattern:

   • Action: "Move your body, change the input, go for a walk." (14:00)
   • Rationale: Physical movement can reset the nervous system and foster creativity. Katelyn shares that walking unlocks "60% more creativity."

2. Micro Win Momentum:

   • Action: "Do one small, clear, action-oriented thing right now that will just help you." (16:45)
   • Examples: Schedule a post, reply to a DM, record a 30-second reel.
   • Benefit: Builds confidence and clarity through motion, not overthinking.

3. Audit Your Scroll:

   • Action: "Ask yourself, does this account make me feel inspired or inadequate? Mute them, unfollow them." (19:10)
   • Purpose: Create a healthier feed that supports your mental well-being.

4. Anchor Back to Your Truth:

   • Action: "Remind yourself this... I am building something real." (21:30)
   • Practice: Use affirmations and reminders to stay grounded in your mission and achievements.

5. Reconnect to Why You Started:

   • Action: Reflect on your initial motivations and celebrate your growth. (24:05)
   • Example: Katelyn reminisces about her early freelancing days with "Social Charisma" and contrasts it with her current success.

Katelyn’s Journey: From Social Charisma to Enfluence Marketing Studio

Katelyn shares her entrepreneurial evolution, starting with her freelancing business Social Charisma in 2013. She humorously recalls the awkwardness of her initial branding: "How embarrassing was that?" (22:50) Comparing her past with her present successful venture, Enfluence Marketing Studio, Katelyn emphasizes the substantial progress she has made, reinforcing the importance of recognizing personal growth over time.

Practical Strategies to Overcome Self-Sabotage: Five Anchors

Expanding on her earlier points, Katelyn outlines five specific anchors to help listeners navigate periods of self-sabotage and comparison:

1. What’s True Right Now:

   • Focus: Distinguish between facts and fears. Recognize the tangible progress and the loyal audience that supports you, even if they're not overtly active.
   • Quote: "Even when people don't tag you, they're still watching." (28:15)

2. Detach from Vanity Metrics:

   • Focus: Reconnect with your mission beyond likes and comments. Ask yourself if you would persist if success was only guaranteed eventually.
   • Quote: "If I knew this would work eventually, would I still show up today?" (29:30)

3. Mute, Unfollow, Unplug:

   • Focus: Reduce exposure to content that triggers comparison. Prioritize hearing your own voice over the noise of others.
   • Quote: "Give yourself the space to hear your own voice." (30:10)

4. Get Out There and Move:

   • Focus: Change your physical state to influence your mental state. Engage in activities like walking to reset and gain clarity.
   • Quote: "Walking and listening resets my brain. It's quiet momentum." (31:00)

5. Do One Bold Thing Today:

   • Focus: Take a decisive action, no matter how small, to assert your presence despite doubts.
   • Quote: "Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is just to keep showing up in spite of that doubt." (32:20)

Conclusion and Encouragement: You're Not Alone

Katelyn wraps up the episode by reassuring listeners that feelings of stagnation and self-sabotage are common parts of the entrepreneurial journey. She emphasizes that struggling doesn't equate to failure and that consistency is often more valuable than constant scaling. Her heartfelt message, "You are. I promise." (35:00) serves as a powerful affirmation for those feeling overwhelmed.

Call to Action: Join the Money Walk Challenge

To provide further support, Katelyn invites listeners to participate in her free 5-day Money Walk Challenge. This initiative aims to help creators monetize their passions and generate income from Instagram through structured walking sessions paired with strategic learning. She encourages engagement through Instagram and provides links in the show notes for easy access.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• [00:00] "If you didn't have this mic in front of me, I'd probably still be sitting in my own spiral because that's what this week has just been super weird for me."

• [04:15] "It's just fear dressed up in strategy."

• [07:30] "Every like, comment, or view gives you a dopamine hit. But when engagement drops, you feel a crash similar to a withdrawal."

• [09:45] "Your brain forgets that and compares your real-time process to their edited success."

• [14:00] "Move your body, change the input, go for a walk."

• [16:45] "Do one small, clear, action-oriented thing right now that will just help you."

• [19:10] "Ask yourself, does this account make me feel inspired or inadequate? Mute them, unfollow them."

• [21:30] "I am building something real."

• [22:50] "How embarrassing was that?"

• [28:15] "Even when people don't tag you, they're still watching."

• [29:30] "If I knew this would work eventually, would I still show up today?"

• [30:10] "Give yourself the space to hear your own voice."

• [31:00] "Walking and listening resets my brain. It's quiet momentum."

• [32:20] "Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is just to keep showing up in spite of that doubt."

• [35:00] "You are. I promise."

Final Thoughts:

In this introspective episode, Katelyn Rhoades not only shares her personal battles with self-sabotage and comparison but also equips listeners with practical tools to overcome these challenges. By intertwining personal anecdotes with scientific explanations and actionable strategies, she offers a comprehensive guide for creators striving to build a sustainable and fulfilling business. Whether you're feeling stuck or simply seeking ways to enhance your entrepreneurial mindset, this episode provides valuable insights and encouragement to keep moving forward.