So... You're in Your Own Way Again, Huh?
Written by Monique Jordan-Cave
Your Career Bestie
Meet Your Inner Saboteur
Hello, fellow Soul Leader,
Let’s be real for a sec.
You’ve got talent, ideas, ambition, and at least two reusable water bottles to prove you’ve got your life somewhat together.
But every time you’re about to hit "send" on that pitch, speak up in that meeting, or finally go for that next-level career move—
BOOM. Here comes the Gremlin.
You know the one. That shady little voice in your head that whispers:
“Who do you think you are?”
“They’re gonna see right through you.”
“You’re not ready.”
Spoiler alert: That voice? Not you.
It just sounds like you. Slick, right?
In this article, we’re going to pull the curtains back on that inner saboteur and help you boot it out of the driver's seat.
Whether you’re a marketing maven, backstage boss, or TV exec in the making, it’s time to stop tripping over your own mental junk.
1. Meet the Inner Gremlin (AKA That Pesky Voice in Your Head)
The inner gremlin is that snarky, sarcastic voice that loves to crap all over your ideas. It’s not your intuition.
It’s not your truth. It’s your fear in fancy dress.
Think of it like the meanest internet troll, except it lives rent-free in your brain and sounds exactly like you.
But here’s the kicker—it isn’t you.
It’s a mash-up of:
Old fears
Past regrets
Outdated beliefs
Negative self-talk on autopilot
In short? It’s like a mental spam filter that got way too aggressive.
2. Why It Sounds Like You (But Absolutely Isn’t)
Here’s why your gremlin is so convincing:
It uses your voice, your vocabulary, and your insecurities. Ugh. How rude.
It studied you. Like, really studied you.
It knows that if it screams in someone else’s voice, you’d call BS and ignore it.
So instead, it whispers in a way that feels personal, urgent, and weirdly logical.
But listen close: Your gremlin is fear, not fact.
It’s just trying to keep you “safe” by keeping you small.
Safe from rejection, embarrassment, or making a fool of yourself on Zoom (again).
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3. How It Moved into Your Head Without Paying Rent
So where did this opinionated little party pooper come from?
Somewhere between childhood and your first awkward performance review.
Gremlins are made of:
Stuff you were told as a kid (“Don’t be too loud!”)
Moments you failed or felt judged (“They laughed at my idea…”)
Cultural noise about success, failure, and “knowing your place”
Your brain’s job is to protect you, even if that means blocking every bold move with a “What if you totally suck?”
Cute, but no thanks.
4. What the Gremlin Sounds Like in the Entertainment Industry
If you’re working in creative industries, your gremlin wears sequins and loves the spotlight.
Here’s how it might show up:
In marketing: “Your campaign’s basic. Everyone’s already doing this.”
In music: “You’ll never be as good as Barry, he’s been here 35-80 years.”
In TV: “Why would anyone cast you/produce your idea/let you lead?”
Sound familiar?
These industries are fast, loud, and full of big personalities—the perfect breeding ground for imposter syndrome.
But that just means it’s even more important to recognise when your gremlin’s talking vs. when you are.
5. How to Shut It Down and Take the Mic Back
Here’s the good news: You can’t delete your gremlin, but you can outsmart it.
Try these power moves:
1. Name it
Give it a silly name like “Judgy Jan” or “Bitter Barry.” Mine is called “Little Miss Nut Nut”. It instantly takes the edge off.
2. Call out the BS
When the gremlin says “You’ll fail,” reply: “Cute theory. Got any proof?” (Spoiler: It doesn’t.)
3. Flip the script
Turn “I can’t do this” into “I’m figuring it out.” Boom. Power shift.
4. Talk to yourself like a hype squad
Imagine you’re coaching your best friend through the same moment. You’d never say half the crap you tell yourself.
5. Move your body, change your mind
Walk, stretch, dance in your kitchen—shake the gremlin off. Literally.
You Are Not Your Thoughts
You’re a legend in the making, not a walking list of doubts.
The inner gremlin only has power if you believe it.
But now? You know better.
You’ve met it, named it, and seen it for the nonsense it really is.
So, the next time it pipes up, you can say, “Thanks for your concern, Susan. But I’ve got this.”
💡 What’s one thing your inner gremlin always says—and what would you do if you didn’t believe it for a second?
Let me know in the comments below.
Over to you!
MJx
Please feel free to share this article with a loved one, friend or colleague.
🎬 Ready to Flip the Script on Your Mindset?
If you’re done letting fear take the mic, subscribe to my YouTube Channel for weekly mindset boosts, behind-the-scenes real talk, and practical tools to help you thrive in your creative career.
✨ You’re one click away from your next bold move.
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How To Stop Getting in Your Own Way At Work
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in The Creative Industry
What Is the Inner Gremlin Voice
Mindset Coaching for Marketing Professionals
Shutting Down Negative Self-Talk in Creative Jobs
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