Welcome to The Shift—a weekly dose of perspective pivots, mindset rewires, and internal upgrades for dreamers and doers ready to move through blocks and into bold, aligned action.

Picture this: You're scrolling through your phone and see something that makes your heart skip a beat.
A course that speaks directly to what you’ve been struggling with.
An event where you know you'd meet the right people.
A program or community that could finally give you the support you’ve been craving.

Your first instinct? Excitement.
Your second? That familiar voice that whispers, "Maybe later."

Sound familiar?

You’re not alone. We all have moments where we know—deep down—that something could help us grow, heal, or move forward.
Yet somehow, it’s precisely these opportunities that we delay, avoid, or talk ourselves out of.

It’s not laziness.
It’s not that we don’t care.

It’s something far more subtle and powerful:
Self-sabotage through avoidance.

Researchers have a name for this phenomenon: cognitive dissonance avoidance.
It happens when we know what would help us, but it clashes with deeper beliefs like:

Dr. Carol Dweck, author of Mindset, discovered that people with a fixed mindset often avoid growth opportunities because they fear judgment or failure.
In contrast, people with a growth mindset tend to take action despite discomfort—because they believe in their ability to evolve.

This resistance isn’t about high stakes.
A 2020 study in the Journal of Behavioral Decision Making revealed that people often avoid helpful action due to fear of regret, emotional discomfort, or confronting their own potential.

Similarly, research in the European Journal of Social Psychology found that avoidance behavior increases when decisions challenge our identity or require long-term change—even if the outcome would be positive.

So instead of leaning in, we step back.
And that’s when the mental chatter begins:

They sound logical.
But they’re often just fear—wearing a disguise.

Psychologists Dr. Ferrari and Dr. Pychyl estimate that 95% of people engage in procrastination, often as a form of emotional avoidance—not time mismanagement. This kind of delay is most common when the task involves growth, vulnerability, or self-worth.

You might be caught in this cycle if you:

Self-sabotage rarely announces itself.
It hides in practicality. In "logic." In busyness.
But make no mistake: staying stuck is still a choice.

The good news? Once you see the pattern, you can interrupt it.

When hesitation creeps in, pause and ask:

Here’s how the fear often layers:

It’s usually not about the time or money.
It’s about visibility, vulnerability, or believing you're worthy of more.

Instead of asking:

Ask:

Most people regret the things they didn’t try—not the ones they did.

According to Harvard Business Review, individuals who regularly invest in personal growth report:

The American Psychological Association also found that people who consistently pursue meaningful goals experience significantly lower levels of depression and anxiety, and higher well-being and resilience.

You are your best investment. Period.

According to an MIT study, simply witnessing others take bold action increases your own likelihood of doing the same—by up to 30%.

A study in Psychological Science further confirms that behavior is contagious:

Your environment will either keep you small or expand your vision.
Choose wisely.

This is exactly why I created Global Dream Team—a creative, global community for purpose-led dreamers, visionaries, and founders who are ready to step out of self-doubt and into action.

Because here’s the truth:
Most self-sabotage happens in isolation.
When we’re alone with our fears, they grow louder.
But when we’re surrounded by others who believe in growth, expansion, and aligned action—everything shifts.

Through intentional travel experiences, immersive gatherings, and a network of support, GDT helps you say yes to the version of yourself you’ve been waiting to become.

We don’t just talk about dreams.
We live them.
Together. Boldly. With joy and intention.

And if you're in LA, this week’s the perfect time to experience that in person.

🌍 Global Dream Café: Mid-Year Strategy & Creative Co-Working Day
Thursday, July 10 · 10:00 AM–1:00 PM · Koreatown, LA
We’ll gather at the cozy, aesthetic About Time Café to plan, and co-work with purpose.
You’ll walk away with clarity, momentum, and a renewed sense of direction for the second half of 2025—plus coffee and connection with fellow creatives.

🎟️ Only 20 spots. Grab yours → lu.ma/fg0sjj23

If you’ve been sitting on a vision, overthinking your timing, or waiting for a “sign”—this is it.

The question isn’t whether you’re ready.
The real question is:

👉 Take your first aligned step → Book a coffee chat and let’s explore how Global Dream Team can support your next chapter — or just reply “I’M READY” if you’re interested in joining the next GDT cohort.

With love,

Ysabel