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Make It Happen: You Are Smarter Than You Think

Featured Author:

Theresa-Maria Napa

Theresa-Maria “TM” Napa, owner of Right Track Coaching, is dedicated to helping professionals and executives increase their winning percentage while taking fewer steps and producing better results. Her varied career has included positions as executive assistant, vice president of operations, director of marketing & administration, and business owner. In these positions, TM gained substantial experience in leadership, marketing, client development, and executive coaching to high achievers. She writes for the Career Changers, Going Back to Work, and Going Back to School sections of WomenCo.

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More articles from this author:

• Perceptions Are Key to Your Career
• We're All Olympians In Life
• Blazing New Trails to a New Career

Transitions are a way to grow to a better life and career. Allowing circumstances and false beliefs the power to decide what you can and can’t do, is not living up to your potential.

You want more money, you want a better job, you want more love, and you want fill in the blank. Most often what follows your thinking regarding your desires for something better are your beliefs, the false beliefs that smash your dreams into smithereens. You get stymied by the “how” of having what you want before you even start. Your inner critics start running the show with gremlins cleverly convincing you don’t have what it takes. They say things like: “I’m not smart enough.” “I need more education.” “I am too old/young.” “I can’t because I don’t have to the time or money.” “I have to take care of blank.” The voice of “why not” is hypnotic. Certainly it is prudent to listen to the “why not” when it comes to your safety and well being. But ask if the “why not” is coming from good judgment or the voice of the inner critic.

The inner critics remind me of old stories built up in our minds that started when we were children. I liken these gremlins to a CD that keeps playing over and over again filling us with doubt and fear. It is amazing how we can take remarks from others and make them our own.

It is agonizing to believe you “should” know the answer to solve a problem or situation directed to you to solve and you don’t know the answer; especially when responding to someone who is considered an authority figure. The inner critic statement, “I am not smart” is one I believed in for the longest time. And I do mean the longest time! In my mind, I had plenty of evidence to prove it. For example, in high school I failed algebra! Tucked away in the recesses of my mind I allowed this grade, regardless of the higher grades I earned in other subjects, to play on my gremlin CD that I was a failure; and don’t let anyone know. The gremlin’s job is to keep you in shame and fear.

Fifteen or so years after failing algebra, I received a brochure in the mail from a local Catholic college listing adult evening classes. Among the classes was Algebra 101. I decided I needed to find out if I could get this bugaboo that I was not smart enough to pass algebra out of my head. I registered!

The class was taught by a strict nun, who expected the assignments done on time with no excuses. In spite of my lingering doubts, I stayed committed knowing I could understand and comprehend algebra. I passed the class with flying colors. When I told the nun about failing algebra in high school and concluded I wasn’t smart enough, she told me, “There is nothing wrong with your intelligence. If you had been taught properly, you would have passed in high school.” So you see how erroneous, negative beliefs linger and get stronger as time goes on.

I personally believe we each have our own learning gauge. It may not necessarily fit standard models. Finding out what it is you want to do – not should do, is a huge factor in getting you on track as you traverse moving in new directions. This will give you the thrust to do whatever it takes to “make it happen.” You are smarter than you think.