Saboteur (n): A rather loud, obtrusive inner voice that comes at us with a force so powerful that we sometimes cannot help to believe what it says.

Ok, that might not be Merriam-Webster’s definition of the word saboteur, but it is the gist of its impact on your thoughts.

This voice will make claims such as:

- You aren’t qualified for a ___________ position.
- You shouldn’t waste your time on __________________ because it will never work out anyway!
- You are too far along in _____________ career to switch now!
- No one will take you seriously without an MBA degree so just forget it!
- Remember the last time you tried something new – you failed! Don’t try anything ever again!

From there, that loud saboteur voice will tell you ways you are NOT “good enough” at all – like you are not smart enough, are not strong enough, do not know enough people, are terrible at networking...it also, ever so eloquently, shares with you the ways you are TOO much – like you are too educated, too dependent on your salary, too set in your ways to make any changes!

Obviously, with a voice like that telling each of us such negative things, it is a wonder any of us have gotten where we are today. This sabotaging voice can really hold us back from things that might bring us real joy.

Why do we have this little voice? Well, if you think about it, that little voice actually seeks to protect us. The saboteur voice helps us avoid risks [Don’t invest your money in that stock – the company’s product is a passing fad]. It helps us protect our feelings [Don’t ask that person out on a date, they aren’t the kind of person you want to be with in the long run.]. And, helps protect our stability in life [You can’t quit your job now, have you heard of the economic downturn!?]. Really though, this “protection” mechanism often gets in the way of pursuing dreams and goals.

So what to do about it? First, acknowledge it. Then release it. Next time you hear your little voice and start doubting your ability to do something important, try talking to it. “Hi, I hear that you are trying to protect me, however I disagree with you. I hereby release you to go on to another task. This goal is important to me and will bring me happiness and reward beyond what I am experiencing in my current situation. Thank you for your service. Good bye.”

It will take practice to master this technique; once you do, you will find your ability to take action increases tenfold!

Good luck! Be sure to reach out to me if you need help tackling that sabotaging voice that is stopping you from reaching your career goals!