We all have that voice in our heads. The one that whispers (or sometimes shouts), You’re not good enough. You’re not ready. Why even try?
This is the sabotaging voice—also known as self-doubt, imposter syndrome, or the inner critic. And if you’re an ambitious person, you’ve definitely encountered it.
But here’s the thing: that voice isn’t you.
In today’s post, we’ll break down where this sabotaging voice comes from, why it exists, and most importantly—how to reframe it so you can move forward with confidence.
Why We Hear the Sabotaging Voice
When Coach Ranger Kielak planned his walk across America, the sabotaging voice was relentless.
“You don’t have the skills. You don’t have the money. You won’t even make it halfway.”
These weren’t doubts from other people. These were thoughts coming from his own mind. And they almost stopped him before he even started.
Sound familiar?
This voice isn’t here to destroy you—it’s here to protect you. It’s a remnant of our brain’s fight-or-flight response, designed to keep us safe from real threats. Thousands of years ago, it helped us avoid life-threatening dangers. But today? It mostly keeps us stuck in fear, avoiding risks that could actually lead to growth.
Step 1: Recognize That the Voice Isn’t You
One of the most powerful lessons from The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer is that this voice is just a roommate in your mind—not your identity.
You can listen to it, acknowledge it, and then choose not to engage.
Think of it this way: If a stranger sat next to you on a park bench and told you all the reasons you’re going to fail, would you listen to them? Probably not. So why listen to the negative voice in your own head?
Step 2: Challenge the Narrative
When you hear self-doubt creeping in, ask yourself:
- Is this actually true?
- Where is the proof?
- What evidence do I have that I CAN succeed?
Success leaves clues. Instead of focusing on why you might fail, stack up proof of your past wins—no matter how small.
Maybe you crushed a difficult project at work. Maybe you overcame a past challenge. Maybe you’ve already taken steps toward your goal.
Fear is not a prophecy. Just because the voice says something doesn’t make it true.
Step 3: Personify the Voice
A fun (but effective) way to separate yourself from self-doubt is to give it a name.
Some people call theirs Mr. Perfect, The Businessman, or The Overprotective Grandparent. Others imagine it as a cartoon character, like a snarky squirrel or a grumpy troll.
For Coach Ranger, it feels like TV static—loud, overwhelming, and hard to ignore.
When you give the voice an identity, it becomes easier to detach from it. Instead of saying, I’m not good enough, you can say, Oh, that’s just The Overprotective Grandparent worrying again.
It’s no longer you—it’s just an outdated program running in your mind.
Step 4: Take Action Anyway
Confidence doesn’t come from feeling ready—it comes from taking action despite the fear.
Every time you move forward, you prove the sabotaging voice wrong. And the more you do that, the quieter it gets.
Want to start a business? Apply for a new job? Train for a marathon?
The voice will always have something to say. Do it anyway.
As the saying goes, action speaks louder than words.
Final Thoughts: Turning Self-Doubt Into Strength
The sabotaging voice isn’t the enemy—it’s just a misguided protector. It’s trying to keep you safe, but in reality, it’s holding you back.
Instead of fighting it, reframe it:
✅ Recognize that the voice isn’t you
✅ Challenge the negative thoughts with real proof
✅ Personify it to create distance
✅ Take action despite the fear
You don’t have to wait until you feel ready. Start now.
The best is yet to come—if you make the decision to never settle, never quit, and never peak.
Want to Go Deeper?
Coach Ranger offers Parts Work Sessions to help people identify and overcome their sabotaging voice. If you want personalized guidance, send him an email at Ranger@WithinRangeCoaching.com.
And if this post resonated with you, drop a comment below. What does your inner critic sound like? Let’s talk about it.