While at a fund-raising event for "at-risk" students, I was captivated by a youth who had tattoed the phrase, "I am my worst enemy," across his chest.
I struck up a conversation and discovered that he had already learned this vital lesson: Your mind can be your best friend or your worst enemy.
He had decided to literally and forever etch it into his life to keep the lesson fresh and ever present.
I think we've all learned that lesson at some time or another. The truth is that your growth and success are severely affected by how much mastery you have over your personal and mental saboteurs.
Saboteurs are your internal enemies, a set of automatic mind patterns made of your beliefs and assumptions that work against your best interest. They form the lens through which we see and react to the world, without knowing we are wearing the lens. (Shirzad Chamine in Positive Intelligence)
Saboteurs can be difficult to recognize because they become such a natural part of you. You accept your own thought that says, "This is just the way I am." Be aware that this belief about your identity is a lie. The truth is that you can change, if you are willing and disciplined to rewire your mental habits.
The best way to maximize your personal and professional growth and speed up your rate of success is to identify your personal saboteurs. Shirzad Chamine in Positive Intelligence has identified 10 saboteurs. Below are examples of what each saboteur would have you believe about yourself.
If you can’t do it perfectly, don’t do it all. (Stickler)
I give away too much and don’t think of myself enough. (Pleaser)
I must be the best at what I do. (Hyper-Achiever)
I wish someone would rescue me from this mess. (Victim)
What I value most is knowledge, understanding and insight. (Hyper-rational)
I want to trust people, but I find myself suspicious of their motives. (Hyper-vigilant)
Why can’t anyone keep up with me? (Restless)
If I work hard enough, I can control the situation so it goes my way. (Controller)
I’d rather give someone else their way than create a scene. (Avoider)
What is wrong with me? With you? (Judge)
The first step to using your mind to your advantage is to know your saboteurs and then to understand your level of Positive Intelligence. Positive Intelligence is a measure of how much mastery you have developed over your own mind.
You can get this information by taking two short, FREE tests at http://positiveintelligence.com/assessments.
After you complete each assessment, you will receive two valuable reports that contain life-altering information with the power to greatly increase your level of happiness and success.
Susan Brown, founder of Impact Coaching and certified life and career coach is a 16 year breast cancer thriver. Susan Brown, certified life and career coach, is a 16 year breast cancer thriver and founder of Impact Coaching. She changes the way people perceive and do their work so that it becomes fulfilling, energizing and impactful. Susan offers a coaching methodology that integrates her six-step THRIVE coaching formula designed to get immediate and long-lasting results. For more information, go to http://susanbrowncoaching.com