I have been spending some time updating or writing new material for the various training courses I offer. In addition to writing training content, one of my projects is to write a new workbook on using Myers-Briggs in Leadership Development. My problem is when I sit down to write, I find myself distracted by the voices in my head, aka my GREMLINS! Fear! Doubt! Fear of failure! Doubt in my abilities! My most powerful gremlin, Judge! The Judge gremlin feeds my feeling of being an imposter, where others will discover I am not qualified to write meaningful and valuable information.
Does this sounds familiar to you? Do you live with inner gremlins? The voices in your head that remind you of every time you have been unsuccessful in the past, or holding the unique talent of predicting your future failures. If you have gremlins that holds you back, keep reading!
We all have experienced the voice of our inner gremlins at one time or another. Fortunately, the good news is that our inner gremlins and our self-limiting behaviors can be overcome through self-awareness and confidence building exercises. Try the following steps:
Visualize what you believe your gremlins may look like. Give them a name.
Describe how each inner gremlin makes you feel. How does your inner gremlin hold you back?
Call them by name and welcome your inner gremlins as your friends. Hello Fear! Hello Doubt! Hello Judge!
Now take three deep breaths in and out, nice and slow. On that third exhale, acknowledge you have deflated your inner gremlin’s power. Poof!! It's gone!
How did your picture of your inner gremlin change? For me, they are less green and less powerful. I visualize them as my favorite color pink instead!
Reframe their negative messages into a positive script. Describe yourself from the perspective of the person who loves you the most.
Write and post sticky notes to remind yourself of your best qualities.
Our inner gremlins will continue to appear from time to time and attempt to limit our contributions to the world and prevent us from reaching our highest potential. Repeat these steps when your inner gremlins dialog begins and decide to pursue your dreams anyway.
I hope this exercise helps you learn to better face your inner gremlins with confidence and become your own champion by relying on your own strengths, talents, and knowledge. Harness your courage and confidence and deflate their power today. What actions will YOU take to manage your inner gremlins? I would love to hear from you.
I wish you days of gratitude, curiosity and compassion. Let me know how I can help you.