I have everything I need and want in my life–family, home, community, stuff. I’m content. Until, that is,  I receive the latest Neiman Marcus catalog or go to a networking event and talk to someone who is “ahead” of me in business. Then the gremlins come out and tell me I’m not enough.

I know I’m not alone. Fellow coach and Leadership colleague Brad Isaacs and I had the privilege of conducting our first Invitation to Get Real program yesterday for a wonderful group in Fairfield, CT. One of the major topics we hit was that feeling of not-enoughness. To a one, our participants had their own saboteurs telling them they weren’t smart, talented or worthy enough to deserve something in their lives.

By the end of our time together there was an appreciation of the importance of naming and claiming the gremlins in our lives. When you can embrace that shadow side of yourself, you are free to move forward. The energy required to tamp it down, deny it its head or react to its message is released when it is named and acknowledged.

I’m curious to hear the messages your gremlins send you?