4 Lies We Use to Sabotage Ourselves
So often I’m my own worst enemy. Are you?
Now don’t get me wrong here. There’s something good about being your own worst critic. If I’ve got a problem, I’d much rather notice it myself than have someone else point it out.
Often I’ll think something, like my writing or a video, is only 80-90% as good as it could be, but others think it’s 150%. As long as I keep it in check and don’t procrastinate in the name of perfectionism, my inner critic is a positive force that helps me do my best work. It’s the spark of inspiration within me from the Holy Spirit that makes my heart leap at the possibility of what could be.
But my inner enemy is another matter entirely. When I’m my own worst enemy, I sabotage myself.
Here are 4 lies I use regularly. See if any of these sound familiar.
1) “I’m Too Old” or “It’s Too Late”
“I can’t make a difference! I’m too old!”
“I missed my window! It’s over!”
“It’s too late! The opportunity is gone!”
All of these are lies we tell ourselves to justify not stepping out into the adventure God’s called us to. There’s an old Chinese proverb about the best time to plant a tree.
The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now. — Chinese Proverb
Yes, maybe we should have started sooner. Maybe we should have followed God’s calling on our life 20 years ago. But if we think we missed our golden opportunity, that shows a mistake in our thinking. Namely, that we wrongly think there’s only one golden opportunity.
Every moment is a new golden opportunity. That’s why God makes every sunrise so beautiful. Every day is a new golden opportunity to follow your God-given dreams, make new choices, and start living large.
2) “Who Am I To … ?”
Imposter syndrome. Everyone who has ever done anything amazing feels this way. It’s the enemy’s last, desperate effort to get you to quit, often right before your breakthrough.
That’s why God promises us “the battle is mine, says the Lord” (2 Chronicles 20:15). And again in Zechariah 4:6, “Not by might, not by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord.”
So while you may not feel qualified to write that book, or do whatever else God’s put on your heart, God is qualified. And it’s by his Spirit he’s put that heart cry in us, so he qualifies us, even when we don’t feel like it.
3) “I Don’t Know How” or “I Don’t Know What to Do”
This is an easy one. God is constantly calling people in the Bible to stuff they don’t know how to do. And God promises to come through. He’s got the wisdom we need.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” – James 1:5
“I don’t know how” should never stop you. Here’s a simple 4-step plan to get over this road block.
- Pray and ask God for his wisdom for this specific problem. Maybe it’s jumping on Google to see how others have solved this problem. Maybe asking others you respect.
- Maybe you get a download from God. Maybe you don’t. Take your best guess and try something. Think of everything as an experiment.
- Learn from your mistakes. Mistakes are a gift.
- Rinse and repeat.
You don’t have to figure the whole thing out up front. You just need to do the next right thing.
4) “I’ll Start Tomorrow”
No, you won’t. “Today is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). Today is the day to start. Do one thing toward the call God’s placed on your life. Today. Start. The world is waiting.
What They All Have in Common
What do all these lies have in common? They are all covering for one thing:
I’m afraid.
They are all a cover for fear. Stepping out into the calling God has on our lives is a step into the unknown. That’s scary. But it’s so worth it. God is good, and will meet you in that place of dangerous, thrilling adventure.
Your Turn
What has God put in your heart that you’re sitting on? What are you too afraid to start? Today is the day. If you’re willing to start today, tell us in the comments what it is. There’s something powerful about declaring it publicly. And please share this post if it would inspire others.
Great words and I agree. Fear is the enemy. It does not come from God. Thank you for shedding light on this subject.
Thank you Charlene!
So so good Dave! I’ve been putting off retiring completely from paid coaching to focus on the work God has given me to do. And you’re right… dragging my dear is about fear. I fear not making money. I fear being thought of as old and irrelevant. I fear not knowing exactly what to do next. Thank you foe the insight and encouragement. As a result of your post, I took one step this morning and have another planned for this afternoon!
Thank you Jane! That makes my day — that’s why we do this. I am so excited to see the next step on your journey and where it takes you. Your message has helped so many, including us, and we recommend your book all the time. Let us know how it goes!
(For people reading this post, you can check out Jane’s book here. It was a tremendous help to Janet and I, and we use it in our ministry.)