If life is an Iceberg, then notice that most of its true size is buried under water.
Saboteurs running unchecked feast on difficult negative emotions like frustration, anxiety, “not good enough”, and “when am I going get my sh*t together?” feelings, leaving us with “I don’t have a choice”, ”I have to do that”, and “I can’t ever fix that” responses.
This is a lie from one or more Saboteurs!
Saboteurs are limiting belief patterns that generate stress and negative emotions in the way you handle work and life’s challenges. They sabotage your potential for both happiness and performance.
There are 9 Saboteurs. Below is a brief description of all 9 saboteurs:
Avoider
Focusing on the positive and pleasant in an extreme way. Avoiding difficult and unpleasant tasks and conflicts.
Controller
Anxiety-based need to take charge and control situations and people’s actions to one’s own will. High anxiety and impatience when that is not possible.
Hyper-Achiever
Dependent on constant performance and achievement for self-respect and self-validation. Latest achievement quickly discounted, needing more.
Hyper-Rational
Intense and exclusive focus on the rational processing of everything, including relationships. Can be perceived as uncaring, unfeeling, or intellectually arrogant.
Hyper-Vigilant
Continuous intense anxiety about all the dangers and what could go wrong. Vigilance that can never rest.
Pleaser
Indirectly tries to gain acceptance and affection by helping, pleasing, rescuing, or flattering others. Loses sight of own needs and becomes resentful as a result.
Restless
Restless, constantly in search of greater excitement in the next activity or constant busyness. Rarely at peace or content with the current activity.
Stickler
Perfectionism and a need for order and organization taken too far. Anxious trying to make too many things perfect.
Victim
Emotional and temperamental as a way to gain attention and affection. An extreme focus on internal feelings, particularly painful ones. Martyr streak.