The Five Human Saboteurs: How to Stop Getting in Your Own Way
In business, success often comes down to one thing, your ability to get out of your own way.
At Entrepreneurial Business School (EBS), we teach that while strategy, systems, and marketing all matter, the biggest challenges most business owners face are internal.
That’s where the Five Human Saboteurs come in; the most common patterns of behaviour that can unconsciously hold you back from achieving your goals. By recognising these saboteurs and learning how to manage them, you can dramatically improve your leadership, decision-making, and overall business performance.
1. The “I Know” Saboteur
The first saboteur is the “I Know” mindset, when you believe you already have all the answers. This limits growth because it shuts down curiosity and learning.
When you catch yourself saying “I know” too often, it’s a sign that you’ve stopped seeking new perspectives. The most successful entrepreneurs are lifelong learners, they approach every situation with a beginner’s mindset, always asking “What else can I learn?”
2. Playing Below the Equator
At EBS, we talk about two ways of “playing” in business: above the equator and below the equator.
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Above the equator: Ownership, accountability, and responsibility.
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Below the equator: Blame, excuses, and denial.
When things go wrong, do you look outward or inward? Staying above the equator builds resilience and integrity, two traits every great leader needs.
3. The Drama Hook
Every human being has a need for some level of drama. For some, it’s small; for others, it’s huge. The danger is when drama finds its way into your business.
Drama shows up when:
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You overreact to problems.
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You change things that are already working.
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You allow emotion to override logic.
Some leaders even create drama subconsciously because they’re bored when things run smoothly. The solution? Find ways to satisfy your need for excitement outside of work. Whether that’s sport, creative hobbies, or adventure, so your business stays stable and drama-free.
4. The Prostitute Saboteur
This one’s about giving yourself away too easily; saying yes to everything, giving your time away for free, or overcommitting. It often comes from wanting to please others or feeling guilty about saying no.
The key to overcoming this saboteur is setting boundaries and valuing your time. You can’t lead effectively or grow your business if you’re constantly drained or distracted.
Try creating guardrails to protect your availability, for example, hiring someone to manage your diary or limiting how often you take unscheduled meetings. Protect your time so you can invest it where it matters most.
5. The Child Saboteur
The final saboteur is the Child; the part of you that says, “I don’t know how.”
It shows up when you avoid responsibility or claim you lack the skills to solve a problem. Many business owners fall into this trap when facing areas outside their comfort zone, such as marketing, finance, or leadership.
The way out is through learning. Move from child to adult mode by taking ownership: seek training, ask questions, and build the skills you need. The moment you choose accountability, you reclaim your power.
Identifying Your Saboteur
The truth is, we all have these five saboteurs at play, not just in business, but in life. The key is awareness. Ask yourself:
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Which one do I default to most often?
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How does it show up in my behaviour or decisions?
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What boundaries or strategies could I use to manage it better?
At EBS, we often recommend printing this framework and keeping it visible. When you spot yourself slipping into one of these patterns, pause, reset, and choose a higher standard of behaviour.
Why It Matters
Recognising and managing these saboteurs doesn’t just help you personally, it transforms your team culture too. When leaders stay above the equator, avoid drama, and protect their time, the entire organisation becomes more focused, productive, and profitable.
The next time you feel stuck or frustrated in your business, don’t just look at the systems or numbers, look inward. The breakthrough you’re seeking often begins with mastering yourself.
