"...human
beings, by changing the inner attitudes
of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives."
--William James.
Feature
Article: What's
Your Gremlin Saying? 
Spring
is upon us and it is the perfect time of year to work
on your personal and/or professional goals. What stops
you from really being empowered? One thing to explore
is what we call in co-active coaching the “gremlin
voice”. You may call this voice the inner critic,
monkey mind, or self-sabotage. This is that voice that
creeps in, or blatantly takes over, telling you that
you’re not capable, not worthy, not enough, life’s
hopeless, that’s stupid or any other number of
things that stop you and make you feel powerless.
We all have these self-limiting beliefs… here you thought you were
the only one. So what is the key to overcoming the gremlin so that you
can live an inspired life? First, how do you know when the gremlin is
present? One sign is that you tend to be circling round and round an
issue and you’re left feeling like you are spinning. Life or things
seem unnecessarily complex. How do you get out of the holding pattern
and get grounded on your path to fulfillment? Richard Carson, Taming
Your Gremlin, recommends the following formula:
The
first step is simply acknowledging and noticing when
that voice is present and then separating that
voice from you. You are not what your gremlin is telling
you in that moment! Once you are aware of the gremlin
voice and what it’s telling you, play
with the options. You’re clear on how
your gremlin would have you proceed, now what are the
other options. For example you want to start your own
business, your gremlin tells you it’s impossible.
So look at some options, such as: It is possible. I
could start it with a partner. I could start it part
time at first and the move it to full time. Get creative
and stay aware for more gremlin opinions that want
to sabotage your path. Now that you are clear on the
gremlin’s voice and your other options, make
a choice based on what you really want in
your life. When you can see the gremlin and see other
options, it makes it easier to choose. You realize
that you have choice! Your attitude is a choice. Being
empowered is a choice. Whose gremlin is screaming, “but,
but, but” and coming up with excuses right now???
We all know people or have heard stories of those who were born into
great privilege, had loving families, and every opportunity you could
dream of and were just never happy and others who were born into great
poverty and hardship without love or support and have overcome tremendous
odds to create a meaningful and rich life. Then there are most of us
who are somewhere in between these extremes who are also striving for
happiness. The point is, it doesn’t matter what our background
is, we can all be intentional about how we live our lives. We all have
the power to manage the gremlin and choose a deeper more fulfilling existence.
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From
the Editor: Joannie's Most Recent Gremlin
So,
what do my gremlins say? Yes, all coaches have all their
gremlins completely managed- bahahaha. I have to admit
that my most persistent gremlin tells me that I'm not doing
enough! He/she screams sometimes that I should be or could
be doing more with my business, with my family, with the
house. He/she tells me that I'm a time waster. As you can
see our gremlins can be male, female, transgender, start
as one and transform into another. They are tricky little
devils that are just there to bring us down and sabotage
our dreams and ambitions.
So
how do I manage mine? I truly believe in the process
of noticing first. Until I can acknowledge that it is
a gremlin voice I don't stand a chance of getting past
it. Sometimes, recognizing this is enough to get past
it. If I'm still stuck I look at what other options are
available. For example, I was recently stuck in "you're
not doing enough for your business" and "if you take
time off when the baby comes, you'll never be able to
get it going again" and it was leaving me pretty conflicted.
So, I've been looking at some other options like "you
are doing plenty for your business", "it's all unfolding
in its' perfect timing so trust in that". When I really
embrace trusting in the timing then things simply get
easier. I'm more productive and feel more fulfilled and
alive.
Gremlins
do have a job. Their job is to keep us safe, protect
the status quo and make sure the ego doesn't get hurt. A
perfectly good job but, when we want to stretch ourselves
and reach for a big goal, they can get in the way. If
you only take one thing from this issue, what I want
you to remember is that you are not the limited self
your hear about from your inner chatter. You are
that magnificent, powerful person who is completely at
choice in every moment to stand in your passion, live
your dreams, and let the world see you for all that you
are right now.
Have
a blessed Easter and/or spring break!!
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Complimentary
Coaching Session
Learn More
What I know from my coaching practice is there is only one obstacle between
you and achieving your highest dreams. That obstacle is the doubt and the
limiting self beliefs of your own personal gremlins. To more deeply explore
how to manage and eliminate the constant negative chatter, contact
us for a completely free, one-on-one personal coaching session with
a certified coach. Call or email to schedule this unique experience. You’ll
be glad you did and there is absolutely no obligation.
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Coming
Next Month: Shift Your Perspective
Spring is a time
of freshness, newness, and creation. In
next month’s issue, we’ll talk
more about creating our life and our work
from a place of possibility. Hmmm. What
does that mean? That means consciously
making choices in our personal and professional
lives that are empowering and move us in
the direction of a dynamic, compelling
life. Belief is a powerful thing and we’ll
see how much our unconscious beliefs dictate
judgments and influence our circumstances.
We are at a choice in every moment of our
lives and we will learn how to recognize
and shift the perspectives we choose to
hold on our life situations.
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Check
out this Upcoming Workshop from my Co-Editor Lora Banks
Life
by Design: Creating Results from the Inside Out
A Workshop for Women Grand Wailea, Maui
April 30- May 2, 2004
Enjoy a magical weekend on Maui, looking within to create results in
your work, relationships, and life. This experiential workshop is for
women who want more joy, balance, and achievement in all aspects of their
lives. In Life by Design, my Intentions co-editor, Lora Banks of The
Lora Banks Coaching Group and Josie Stein of Inner Journeys will
show you how to access your highest vision AND give it wings in your
daily life.
Click here for
more information or to register.
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