Who Do You Think You Are? Time for an Ego Smackdown

When you decide to make a big change in your life, you’ll face many obstacles.

Sometimes it feels like there are a thousand voices telling you that you’re no good and your choices are wrong.

And the worst voices are the ones in our own minds.

What do those voices say to you?

  • You think you can lose weight this time? Who do you think you are?
  • You want to switch careers at your age? Who do you think you are?
  • You think you can save enough money for what you want? Who do you think you are?
  • You want to move away from here? Who do you think you are?
  • You don’t want kids? Who do you think you are?

Right now, I’m dealing with some particularly ugly voices in my head.

  • You quit your high-paying corporate job to become an online life coach? That’s not even a real job! No one wants your crummy advice. Who do you think you are?

You know what those voices really are, right?

It’s your ego.

Your ego is the part of you that makes up stories about the type of person you are. Your ego wants you to play small, stick to the status quo, and believe that you are a weakling…a victim…a nobody.

And if you ever start thinking that you’re meant for something beyond that limited view, your ego will rise up to crush your spirits.

Deep down, your ego knows that it cannot beat you if you ever started trusting yourself, so it will say anything to try to stop you.

So, what are we supposed to do when the voices ask us, “Who do you think you are?”

Ignore them? Give up? Accept the fact that dreams don’t always come true?

There is only one thing to do.

Answer them!

Who DO you think you are?

I’m serious!

Who DO you think you are?

Stand up for yourself, for your hopes, for your dreams! Say it!

I am Sage, and I am unstoppable! I am love and light and happiness! My life’s purpose is to show women that there is an infinite power inside them to change not only their lives but the whole world!

Take a seat, ego, and shut the fuck up.

I’ve got work to do.

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11 Comments

  1. GlutenFreeHappyTummy on June 18, 2012 at 10:43 am

    great post! i hate those voices too — let’s show ’em! 🙂



    • Sage on June 18, 2012 at 12:28 pm

      Thanks! Let’s stop being so hard on ourselves.



  2. Molly on June 18, 2012 at 10:18 am

    YES!! Every single one of those questions has plagued me and I’ll admit, my ego does get me down on some days. However, it’s so important to not let it crush you and talking back to it is such a great idea. Thank you, Sage, for such awesome advice!



    • Sage on June 18, 2012 at 12:31 pm

      Once we have answers to those rude questions, then they can’t hurt us anymore. And I have sooooo many mean-spirited questions in my head. But if I want to improve myself and reach my goals, I have to stand up for who I am!

      Thanks for the nice comment, Molly. 🙂



  3. Megan Gann on June 18, 2012 at 11:52 am

    Gah I definitely don’t know who I am, and who I am keeps changing. I am frequently reminded of the scene in Alice and Wonderland where she replies to the Caterpillar’s “Who are you” with “I hardly know, Sir, I’ve changed so many times since this morning, you see.”

    Finding the confidence to commit to being yourself is so difficult.

    I think if anyone can be a life coach, it would be you. You’re such an inspiring person, Sage. I keep coming back to your blog for a “pump up!” session and get to work. I keep your words in the back of my mind frequently. <3



    • Sage on June 18, 2012 at 12:27 pm

      You just made my day, Megan! Thank you for your support. I hope everyone keeps changing. If we ever stop growing and improving…we’re dead! Committing to yourself and your ideas is tough because you open yourself up to judgements from others (or yourself!).

      I might not win any popularity contests, but I feel good about choosing a path that’s right for me.

      I LOVE Alice in Wonderland! Thanks for sharing the clip. I have the DVD and I watch it at least once a year. The Dodo is my favorite character: “What you need is a lizard with a ladder!”



  4. Cara on June 18, 2012 at 8:10 am

    hahaha, I needed to hear this today, as the inner voices were doing a number on me yesterday. I hope I have the strength to tackle the next few months of challenges ahead, I may come to you looking for help! 🙂



    • Sage on June 18, 2012 at 10:17 am

      Hey Cara! Why is it that our inner voices are so much harder on us than any of our friends or family members would be? We need to be kinder to ourselves and remember that our egos aren’t being truthful. I know it’s easier said than done!

      I’m always here to help! 🙂 I’ve been through a lot of big changes in my life, so please feel free to send me an email if you want to talk. You are a very strong, resourceful person. I am confident that you can face all your challenges head on–and be successful!



  5. xvavaveganx on June 18, 2012 at 6:15 am

    Yes! I love this 🙂 I am so proud of you for sticking up for yourself. As you know, I’ve been fighting with my ego for a long time and I’ve finally begun to stand up for myself 🙂 It feels good. I finally feel like I’m heading in the right direction. It takes time but I’ll get there.

    I think that you’ll be an amazing success on your own. Not only will you be doing what you love and helping women feel empowered but you can focus on your own health and happiness. You deserve that!



    • Sage on June 18, 2012 at 7:56 am

      Thanks, Sarah! Sometimes it’s hard to ignore my ego, but I know that negativity isn’t the truth. I’ve seen too many women “settle” in their lives. I don’t want to settle, and I don’t want any of my readers to settle either.

      I debated about keeping “fuck” in my post, but it felt right so I left it. Oooooh! I’m a badass now! 🙂



      • xvavaveganx on June 19, 2012 at 6:15 am

        Hahaha you know I can’t get mad at a good four letter word 😉