It’s 4:15 AM and I can’t sleep. I’m tired, but my brain is spinning… working out details for an upcoming event, worrying about whether or not it will get the uptake it deserves. My internal voice – let’s call her NELLY – is being negative and doubtful.
And I’m being proactive. I’ve listened to what NELLY has to say… and I’ve replied to her ever so helpful comments: “Thank you for your thoughts and contributions, but I’m going to stay positive; I’m going to be proactive and believe in the process.”
It’s a lesson – this hearing but choosing to ignore NELLY – that’s taken me years to learn. In fact, there are still days when NELLY’s voice gets the upper hand and I forget that I can say “NO” to her advice. But like all entrepreneurs, my personal doubt meter varies by the day, by the hour, and sometimes – by the minute.
TODAY though (okay, well maybe early this AM), my personal doubt meter is standing strong and I’m saying “NO” to the negativity, the self-doubt, and the self-limiting beliefs. I’m proud that after years of working on this, that I can finally stand in this position, listen to the advice, and say, “no thank you.”
And I’m going to celebrate this accomplishment! It’s a big one for me.
How do you manage your negative internal “NELLY”? I’d love to learn what techniques you’ve developed to help you control and eradicate your internal voice that works so hard to keep you from stretching and growing. Share your thoughts in the comments below.