By Linda Knudsen

Facing the Saboteur

"What makes you think you're smart enough to write an article? No one wants to listen to you."
A hushed voice whispers coolly from the shadows. It’s powerful—dreadfully persuasive. And more than once, I didn’t just hear it… I believed it. I thought it was me.

Maybe you’ve heard a similar voice. One that tells you you’re not quick enough, strong enough, smart enough. Just fill in the blank:
"I’m not ___________ enough."
That’s the venom of the Saboteur speaking.

The Saboteur plays a role—often a profound one—in every life. I’ve never met anyone who’s entirely escaped its stealthy influence.

So, what exactly is the Saboteur? Where does it come from? And more importantly, how do we overcome its twisted grip so we can finally move forward toward our loftiest goals?

Here’s what I’ve come to understand:

Each of us has a Saboteur. Unique, personal, and persistent. It knows our strengths, our insecurities, our deepest fears and wildest dreams. It knows our desires, and—perhaps most dangerously—it knows our greatness.
A greatness so magnificent, so staggering, that if we could fully comprehend it, we’d be astonished. Maybe even overwhelmed.

But unearthing that greatness is part of the sacred task given to every soul on this earth. And the Saboteur? Its mission is to stop us. That tiny, relentless voice in our heads works overtime to keep us from ever realizing who we truly are.

It lies. Constantly. Persuasively. And often so subtly that we mistake it for our own voice.
But here’s the truth: It isn’t.

Don’t listen to it. The voice isn’t real. The Saboteur exists only in thought. The moment you name it—call it out and face it—it begins to lose its power. And often, it vanishes entirely.

So how can you tell when it’s the Saboteur talking, and not your true inner voice?

Simple. The Saboteur never wants you to succeed.
It doesn’t want you to win.
It doesn’t want you to be great.
So it says whatever it must to keep you from stepping into your purpose.

But you? You were born with everything you need to succeed. You are meant to be happy. You are meant to be prosperous. You are meant to serve powerfully in this world.

You are beautiful—inside and out.
You are talented, compassionate, and wise.
You are smart enough.
You are strong enough.
You are a person of greatness.

And yes—you can achieve anything you set your mind to.

Exercise:

Take a look at your life right now. How is the Saboteur holding you back? Write down three lies it tells you. (Here’s one to get you started:)

1. "I'm not ________________ enough."

2.  
3.  

Now flip the script. What is the opposite of each of those lies? That’s your truth.

1. I am ________________ enough.

2.  
3.  

Keep this nearby. Speak your truth daily. Repeat the process as often as needed. The more you recognize the Saboteur, the more power you gain over it.
And with practice, that voice will grow quieter and weaker—until it’s no longer the one in charge.

Now go forward. Boldly. You’ve got greatness to claim.