What to Do When Doubts Wake You Up

AUTHOR'S NOTE: This is a fable about keeping your doubts in check. It hits you late at night. You're sleeping peacefully, when you feel a sharp jab in your abdomen. Looking down through the darkness, your eyes seem to spot a tiny creature, perhaps four inches tall, carrying a harpoon in one hand and a briefcase in the other. Once again, he jabs the harpoon into your belly.

"You can't forget about me that easily," he screams. You can barely hear him, because four-inch people can't scream that loud. "You can't just ignore Doubts. I have a long list for you to study."

Although the pain in your gut seems real, you know this has to be a dream. Still, sometimes it's best just to play along. You're just about to respond to this angry little visitor when a tugging sensation distracts you. Next thing you know, a new figure, five inches tall, stands on your ear and climbs up to perch on your forehead.

"Cool your jets, Doubts," says the new presence. "Stuff those worries back in your case and go bug a less fortunate soul. Our friend here," Ego tweaks your nose, "Has a world of opportunity ahead."

Holding off a sneeze, you decide you like this new advocate, casually dressed in sailing attire and sipping a tiny gin and tonic.

Doubts is not convinced. "Ego! Just like you to ignore reality. A slowing world economy. Disruption everywhere. No such thing as security or a clear career path. You call that opportunity?"

Ego stifles a yawn. "No wonder you never get invited to parties. Try to get this through your head. Talent and effort can overcome any obstacle, especially effort. Our friend here is willing to work hard, really hard. Effort will bring advancement, prestige, and a generous income."

"Generous income!" Doubts shrieks, "Maybe it's generous before taxes, house payments, car payments and child care. Do you know what it costs to send a child to college these days?"

The argument heats up, with Ego hustling down to your chin and Doubts jumping up and down on your stomach and large intestine. Despite your personal stake in the debate, you grow weary and distracted. It's not the first time you've had your body used as a battleground between Doubts and Ego.

Fortunately, Ego keeps in shape. Being taller, larger and more extroverted than Doubts, Ego generally gains the upper hand. Still, Doubts is persistent, always tossing in one last jab after the battle has supposedly ended. That really bugs you, especially since antacid is normally required to heal Doubts's last little jabs.

Tonight, you decide to make your opinion clear. Gently removing Ego from your chin, you sit up suddenly, sending Doubts tumbling to the sheets.

"You know," you say with a wink at Ego, "There is one strong doubt I have." Picking up Doubts with your free hand, you continue, "I doubt there's any benefit in continuing this conversation."

Ego likes the way you think, and notices your glance towards the gleaming object on your dresser. "Electric, isn't it?" Ego observes.

You nod as you rise and head for the pencil  sharpener. A moment later, after Doubts's cries have ceased, you add, "Handy little object, even in a digital age."

A significantly different version of this article appeared in The Wharton Journal in 1984. Yes, 1984. Here is the original.

Bruce Kasanoff is a ghostwriter for entrepreneurs. Learn more at Kasanoff.com. He is the author of How to Self-Promote without Being a Jerk.