Know your inner saboteurs: Shirzad Chamine at TEDxStanford

Summary

In this enlightening lecture, Shirzad Chamine explores the concept of 'positive intelligence,' explaining how our inner Saboteurs—mental patterns of self-criticism and judgment—sabotage our happiness and success. Drawing on neuroscience and psychology, he demonstrates how we are born with a magnificent, confident self but gradually forget this true nature due to negative conditioning. Chamine outlines practical techniques for strengthening the 'Sage' brain, a more positive and creative aspect of our mind, to counteract the Saboteurs. Through engaging examples and personal stories, he emphasizes the transformative power of reconnecting with our authentic selves for greater happiness and fulfillment.

Takeaways

• 😀 You are unique and magnificent – most of us forget our true potential over time, but it's possible to rediscover it.
• 😀 A 'Judge' Saboteur can distort our self-worth, leading us to believe we are unworthy of love and success.
• 😀 The 'Judge' Saboteur, when unchecked, can spread its influence over other areas of life, leading to harsh self-criticism and judgment of others.
• 😀 Saboteurs are survival mechanisms that develop in childhood and may include the Controller, Victim, Hyper-Vigilant, and others.
• 😀 Our Saboteurs are rooted in the survival brain, which is designed to protect us but often causes stress and unhappiness.
• 😀 The Sage, our true self, resides in the positive-intelligence brain, and can help us shift from negativity to opportunity and growth.
• 😀 Strengthening our Sage involves recognizing and labeling the Saboteurs in our minds, which reduces their power over us.
• 😀 Shifting our perspective during challenging times can turn obstacles into opportunities, activating the Sage’s powers of empathy, exploration, innovation, and action.
• 😀 Positive Intelligence Quotient (PQ) measures the balance between our Saboteurs and Sage, and higher PQ leads to greater happiness and performance.
• 😀 Practices like focusing on physical sensations can help strengthen Sage muscles, leading to better emotional resilience and productivity.

Q & A

What are the 'Saboteurs' described in the presentation?

The Saboteurs are negative mental patterns that distort our thoughts and behaviors. They are survival mechanisms that operate from the brain's survival regions, causing stress and unhappiness. The main Saboteur is the 'Judge,' which constantly criticizes and undermines us, but there are others, such as the Controller, Pleaser, and Victim, which manifest in different ways.

How does the 'Judge' Saboteur affect our perception of ourselves?

The Judge Saboteur constantly criticizes us, making us feel unworthy or inadequate. It distorts our self-image and can lead to feelings of failure, anxiety, or depression. It not only judges us but others as well, fueling negative thoughts and actions.

What role do the 'Sage' and the positive-intelligence brain play in overcoming Saboteurs?

The Sage represents our true self, embodying wisdom, creativity, and positive intelligence. The positive-intelligence brain, where the Sage resides, allows us to view challenges as opportunities. Strengthening the Sage and weakening the Saboteurs through mindfulness and self-awareness is key to emotional well-being and success.

How do Saboteurs and the Sage operate from different regions of the brain?

Saboteurs are based in the survival-brain regions, which include the brainstem, limbic system, and parts of the left brain. These regions are wired for stress and fear. In contrast, the Sage operates from the positive-intelligence brain, which involves the middle prefrontal cortex, the ACC insular cortex, and parts of the right brain. The Sage is associated with creativity, empathy, and resilience.

What is the 'Positive Intelligence Quotient' (PQ)?

The Positive Intelligence Quotient (PQ) is a measure of the balance between the influence of Saboteurs and the strength of the Sage. Higher PQ is linked to greater happiness, reduced stress, and improved performance. It can be improved with practice, leading to more positive emotional responses and better decision-making.

How can we strengthen our Sage muscles?

One effective way to strengthen Sage muscles is by practicing mindfulness and focusing on physical sensations. For example, truly savoring a bite of food or paying full attention to a hug helps activate the positive-intelligence brain. Doing these 'reps' throughout the day builds emotional resilience and the ability to respond wisely to stress.

What is the importance of labeling Saboteur thoughts?

Labeling Saboteur thoughts helps us recognize them as separate from our true selves. By saying, 'This is my Judge Saboteur speaking,' we disempower the negative thought and detach from it. This process allows us to shift our focus back to the Sage and respond more rationally and empathetically.

How do the Saboteurs manifest in the workplace or in leadership roles?

In leadership roles, Saboteurs can manifest as fear of failure, excessive self-criticism, and the need for validation. For example, a Hyper-Achiever Saboteur might drive a leader to overwork and feel insecure, while a Pleaser Saboteur may cause them to prioritize others' approval over their own well-being. These patterns can lead to stress, burnout, and strained relationships.

Why is it important to 'catch' and label Saboteur thoughts in everyday life?

Catching and labeling Saboteur thoughts helps us become more aware of when our mind is being hijacked by negativity. This awareness allows us to intervene and prevent the Saboteurs from controlling our actions. Labeling these thoughts as 'Saboteurs' helps us recognize them as temporary and untrue, which opens the door for a more balanced response.

Can someone be successful in their career and still be deeply unhappy due to Saboteurs?

Yes, success in terms of wealth or career achievements does not guarantee happiness if Saboteurs are dominating a person’s mental landscape. Many highly successful individuals experience inner turmoil, self-doubt, and stress due to the influence of their Saboteurs, even though they may appear confident and content outwardly.