Clarity, Navigation, and Decision Making – Inner Voices Part 2

As you think about your business, focus on the feelings that make you feel like yourself—the moments that bring you joy. How can you tap into those feelings and embrace your uniqueness and joy? How can you allow that freedom to inspire what you love and guide your actions? Keep this in mind as we dive into part two of our discussion about saboteurs and discovering our inner sage.

In last week’s episode, we talked about saboteurs. Saboteurs are the thoughts in our minds that create stress, doubt, and fear. This week, we’re focusing on the inner sage, which embodies compassion, wisdom, and strength. How do you tap into your inner sage? What does that look like for you?

This discussion is inspired by Shirzad Chamine’s book Positive Intelligence and insights from my business coach, Lindsay White. Learning to cope with saboteurs when they creep into our lives and businesses is key. Our inner sage provides a beautiful perspective: it sees challenges not as threats but as opportunities to grow and discover hidden gifts.

The Five Sage Powers

There are five Sage Powers we can tap into to overcome sabotaging thoughts:

1. Empathy: Have deep compassion for yourself and others.

2. Explore: Approach situations with curiosity and openness.

3. Innovation: Think creatively and find solutions.

4. Navigate: Align your actions with a deeper purpose or your values.

5. Activate: Take decisive action with clarity and focus.

To quiet the saboteurs and strengthen your inner sage, mindfulness anchors can help. These techniques bring your senses to the present moment and foster calm:

• Focus on your breath: Notice the rhythm and depth of your breathing.

• Touch sensation: Pay attention to the sensations in your fingertips.

• Sound awareness: Tune into the sounds around you.

Reframing Challenges

When saboteurs take over, try reframing the challenge. When something goes wrong, ask yourself:

• What is the hidden gift or opportunity in this situation?

• How can this help me grow, learn, or develop strength?

Write down three ways this challenge can benefit you. This exercise trains your brain to focus on the positives and reframe your mindset.

The 3 Gifts Exercise

Think of a challenge you’re currently facing. Then, list three gifts or opportunities that could come from that adversity. This helps retrain your brain to see challenges as opportunities.

Activating Your Sage

Before taking action, pause and reflect. Ask yourself:

• Is this choice coming from fear or wisdom?

Visualize your saboteur and your sage. Recognize that the saboteur is not reality and that your sage is your ally, guiding you toward clarity and purpose.

Applying This to Your Business

Elizabeth shares real-life examples of applying these concepts to business:

• Tap into your inner child: Be creative and playful.

• Navigate your actions with deeper purpose and values.

• Take decisive action that aligns with your authentic self.

By activating the five Sage Powers and quieting the saboteurs, you can build a joyful, fulfilling life and business. We are meant to experience joy, grow, and connect. Life is short—discover why you are here, and live fully. Make your life impactful by tapping into your inner sage.