Nov 4
Positive Intelligence
(Adapted from Positive Intelligence by Shirzad Chamine)
There are ten Saboteurs or sets of automatic and habitual mind patterns that work against your best interest. To identify the strength of your inner Saboteurs, take the assessment found here.
There is also an inner Sage which represents the deeper, wiser part of yourself. The Sage’s five powers are exploration, empathy, innovation, navigation, and action. The table below summarizes the differences between you inner Saboteurs and inner Sage.
| Orientation | Saboteurs | Sage |
| Belief | Based on two fundamental fears,; I’m not good enough and will never be loved. | Understands that life happens for me, not to me. |
| Inner dialogue | Beats you up. | Empathize with you. |
| Motivation | PUSH: Motivate through anger, regret, fear, guilt, anxiety, shame, and obligation. | PULL: Motivate through compassion, curiosity, creativity, the joy of self- expression, and desire to contribute. |
| Feelings | Makes you feel guilty, angry, and remorseful. | Reassures you. |
| Messages | Sends distressing messages. | Sees everything, even mistakes, are a gift and opportunity |
| Source of energy | Scares you into working hard. | Energizes you to take decisive action. |
| Orientation to failure | Uses fear to make sure you don’t make same mistakes. | Learns from mistakes and develops creative solutions for next time. |
How to weakening your inner saboteurs and strengthen the Sage
All of the Saboteurs’ behaviors will weaken when you become aware of the thoughts or feelings that don’t serve you. By exposing them to the light of awareness, they will lose their power over you.
To strengthen your inner Sage, accept what is, versus denying, rejecting, or resenting your current situation. The Sage knows that every outcome and circumstance is a gift and opportunity. The Sage knows that life happens for you, not to you.
You can learn more about this fascinating approach to understand why you’re not living up to your full potential by watching Shirzad Chamine’s Ted Talk about Positive Intelligence. His inspiring 20-minute talk will put you back in touch with your inner magnificence!
