The answer is always "BE in SAGE"

If "Be in Sage" is the answer, what is the question?

I was recently on a call with over 500 other coaches from the Positive Intelligence (PQ) community where we were learning about how to enroll clients into our 6-week mental fitness program. Some of it was the practical, how to actually put in their email addresses and what information to share with them when. There was also much information shared about the "selling, pricing, continuing on" which is very challenging for many coaches and consultants, myself included!

Many of the coaches on the call were in the newer cohorts and were likely "drinking from the firehose" with all the information. I found myself trying to provide calm and clear information in the chat whenever I could. I do not, by any means, have all the answers, but with almost 2 years of mental fitness practice behind me, I have found that the answer to many of the questions is "Be in Sage"!!

Since that call, I have found myself reflecting on how true this is for EVERYONE, not just coaches.

What does "Be in Sage" mean?

Quite simply put, this means to not be hijacked by our Saboteurs. Not letting those voices in our head that create all the negative emotion be in charge! It doesn't matter which Saboteur it is - could be the master Judge acting alone, or the Judge teamed up with any of the accomplice Saboteurs (Stickler, Pleaser, Controller, Victim, Restless, Hyper-Achiever, Hyper-Rational, Avoider, Hyper-Vigilant) - what matters is that we recognize that we are "under the influence" of the Saboteurs.

When we are in our Sage, we are calm, positive and decisive in our action. We are able to use any of the Sage powers which are always part of us - Empathize (unconditional love of self and others), Explore (fascinated curiosity), Innovate (creativity), Navigate (strong internal compass) or Activate (laser-focused action). In previous issues of this newsletter I have explained more about some of these powers and will dive into more detail in future issues. For now, consider how you feel when you are NOT hijacked - not feeling stress, anger, fear, frustration or guilt. How does it feel to be calm, curious, laser-focused or creative? When you feel this way, you are "In Sage"

How does being in Sage help ME?

Let's start with the example of coaches and consultants who are wondering how to "sell" their program, or what to charge for it.

• If their Saboteurs are running the show, the inner dialogue is versions of: "what makes you think anyone will hire you?", "you're not worth that much", "you don't know enough yet to offer this", "what if you mess up", "you don't have enough information about your target market", "they will call you if they want to hire you, don't bother them", "what if they say no?", and so on.
• If they are "in Sage", they are feeling excited and curious about the possibilities. They are clear on what they bring and that it is valuable. They know that it may not be perfect, but they will continue to learn and grow with each no ... or yes. They have a strong sense of purpose and know the value they bring to themselves, their clients and the world.

What about leaders? And by leaders, I don't just mean those with a title of leader. This is anyone who "chooses" to lead.

• When leaders' Saboteurs are running the show, the inner dialogue may sound something like: "what makes you think anyone will listen to you?", "just wait, they're going to figure out eventually that you don't know what you're talking about", "why is everyone else so stupid? You're going to have to do it all", "what if we fail? You will lose your job", "just find more data", "don't show them your feelings, they won't respect you", and so on.
• When leaders are "in Sage", they are leading from a place of courage, vulnerability, empathy and decisive action. They have created an environment of trust and mutual accountability. They aren't afraid to tackle difficult or challenging situations or relationships, because they know that there is always room to continue to grow and learn.

What about in personal relationships - friends, partners, children, parents?

• In all of these situations, when the Saboteurs are running the show, the inner dialogue is negative, anxiety-inducing, disempowering and destructive.
• When we are "in Sage", we create a stronger bond with those around us.

How do I "be in Sage"?

The work to "be in Sage" is one of mental fitness. Like physical fitness, it is a journey. It is something that we commit to and work on every day, a little at a time. There are 3 core muscles of mental fitness:

1. The Saboteur Interceptor - this is as simple, and as difficult, as recognizing when one of your Saboteurs is running the show. If you are feeling any kind of negative emotion, you are being hijacked. To learn more about your Saboteurs, take the free assessment.
2. Self-Command - this is the re-wiring of the brain to move from the negative, Saboteur side, to the positive, Sage side. By doing small reps (like mental bicep curls) that engage your physical senses, you strengthen the neural pathways to the Sage. This can be rubbing two of your fingertips together with such attention that you can feel the ridges on both fingers. You could really listen to the sounds around you - what is the farthest away sound? The closest? You could really feel the movement of your legs and feet as you walk. There are many, many ways to practice. Let me know if you would like a 4-min audio example.
3. Sage muscle - this is the ability to Empathize, Explore, Innovate, Navigate and Activate. These powers live within us. They are over-shadowed and held back by the Saboteurs. You can activate them by doing some of the PQ reps mentioned above.

As a Certified PQ (Mental Fitness) Coach, I take individuals and teams through the 6-week Mental Fitness Bootcamp that teaches you about all 3 core muscles above and gets you started with a routine and practice for continuing your mental fitness journey.

If you are ready to improve your relationships, your performance, and/or your overall peace of mind and well-being, please sign-up here to find out more about my next bootcamp.

In the mean time - STAY SAGE!

About me:?I am an engineer with over 20 years of experience in Western Canada's oil & gas industry. While I was good at technical engineering, I found that I was passionate about people and teams. I am a Certified Mental Fitness Coach and Leadership Consultant who loves to work with leaders and their teams to become the best versions of themselves. I will make you more Profitable, by improving Performance and Productivity through Positivity! I will work with you 1:1 or as a team.