Whether it’s a client or passerby who has some ambitious goals we all have one thing in common though: One of our greatest fears is not realizing our own potential. It can be as simple as losing 10 LBS all the way to quitting our 9-5 job and replacing it with a crazy new business idea. But what truly holds us back?

Chatting with a fellow life coach friend of mine we both explored this ‘thing’ that stands in our way from what we know is possible for our life. Inside our own head and imagination we are pretty much invincible. Every piece fits into the puzzle and it all makes so much sense. When faced with the reality of the present moment, these visions and aspirations seem daunting and we often procrastinate in making these dreams into a reality.

Part of my job with my clients is breaking things down to it’s simplest form. For this I can sum it up in two words: “not enough.” It’s those two words we unconsciously say ourselves. Yes, you’re not the only one. We all talk to ourselves.

We could be achieving small and even large goals but the result is always the same. That little voice whines and complains, “I could have been/done/had more” and we miss out on the value we just created, delivered or received. Sound familiar?

So why am I talking about this? Well, all the self-doubt stems from the value we put on our selves. I like calling it self-love. How does one achieve their potential when that voice is constantly reminding us of how unsatisfied we are?

I saw this one quote by Bertrand Russel recently that read: “The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, and wise people so full of doubts.”

Oh, how true. So how do we eliminate self-doubt? Simple answer: you can’t. That little voice in our head that talks us out of our own greatness is the same one that was developed and designed by our environment, society, upbringing and education. It may very well be there forever since it’s been so ingrained over thousands of hours of indoctrination.

Fear not! There is still hope!

The real work here is learning how to distinguish who’s talking. Is it the true you or is it the voice of mediocrity? There is no goal rather it is a lifestyle choice. It is about a daily choice of developing a strong habit of managing that voice to the point where it has little to no impact on how you deal with your current reality.

It might still be there but will have to face off against the true you. That authentic voice inside that you’ve built and designed (or rediscovered) by choice, mindfulness and purpose.

Here are a few building blocks for you to begin rediscovering or redesigning your authentic inner voice utilizing two of my core life principles, self knowledge and self love:

1. Ask: Who’s talking? Whenever you are in a foul mood or simply feeling small, start to notice the voice in your hand. Ask yourself who’s talking? By becoming more aware and mindful of this, you move the unseen, unconscious, habitual negative self talk into the bright spotlight of your conscious awareness.

2. Realize you have a choice. When you finally are aware of this voice in your head that’s keeping you small and limiting your potential it changes everything. What I mean is that once you start becoming mindful of your own self-talk your life will never be the same. Your choice will either be to listen to that voice and continue being small or to manage it every time it comes up and building an immunity to it. It’s your responsibility now that you’re aware of it… so own it.

3. Redesign and re-program. Our brains are like computers and like computers they run on software. The problem with this is we’re running on BASIC instead of Mountain Lion (for you techie-geeks). In other words, the negative self-talk is old software we need to replace with some better and more empowering self-talk or software.

Ah yes, this is where you might think I’m a little cheesy but not trying this is simply regressing to your old ways and this time by choice! So come on, give it a try! Also, I like the idea of adding rather than taking away. Introducing something good and useful eventually replaces all the old crappy stuff taking up too much room. Here are a few respectful suggestions:

• Find positive media and consume it. Make a positivity music playlist full of great songs that uplift you and listen to it in the mornings. Find books on how to manage your self-talk or are filled with stories that motivate you. Watch documentaries and movies with inspiring stories. Eventually the noise of the news, negative lyrics and super depressing movies will find themselves collecting dust.
• Surround your self with people that you can model. You know that one or two acquaintances or friends that seem to be pretty fun, easy going, relaxed and are generally optimistic about life? Yeah. Hang out with them more. You’ll find that the more amazing, like-minded people you add to your circle of friends is like pepper running away from soapy water, it sends the energy vampires running!
• Start a journal. No this tool is not reserved for pre-teen young girls. Some of the most successful people have made it a habit to document their thoughts, ideas and important life moments. Personally, I have accumulated over 4 years worth of journalling that has given me more self-knowledge than my however many years in institutionalized education. I treasure these leather bounded pages more than my gadgets! (That’s saying a lot!) As you write you release pent up energy onto the page. A powerful experience will be looking back weeks, months, years from now and seeing how you have changed. What was top of your mind, the language you used, the stuff you were up to, etc. When you journal it will reveal so much of who you really are and that greater level of self-knowledge is so valuable.