You've seen the cartoon. Devil on one shoulder, angel on the other, both trying to pull the person in the middle in opposite directions.
It's funny because it's not that far off.
UFC fighter Andre Fili said something after a big win that I haven't been able to shake.
"Everything is a choice, and some choices are harder than others. You have two voices inside your head. One tells you that you aren't good enough and that you've tricked people to get where you are. The other tells you how good you are, how hard you work, and how much fun you have doing what you are meant to do. It's just a choice which voice to listen to."
I'm not a UFC guy. But that has nothing to do with fighting.
Every time you push toward something that matters, something outside of what feels safe, both voices show up. The one that says you're not ready. The one that says you are. They often arrive whether you invite them or not.
The insight isn't that the voices exist. Everyone has them. The insight is that you get to decide which one runs the show.
Now it is true, you might listen to the positive voice that believes in you and still come up short. That happens. But you will never have a shot of meeting your potential if you keep handing the mic to the negative, unbelieving one.
So which voice have you been listening to lately?
The voice in your mind that you hand the microphone to matters.
P.S. Today is the 285th episode of the Optimistic Outlook, which is also a podcast! Leaving a rating or review wherever you listen to podcasts.
Use Your Gifts,
John Eades
Creator, The Leadership Lens & The Optimistic Outlook