The intent of the Gremlin is not malicious mischief. The purpose is to preserve the status quo. A similar voice has kept us from doing stupid and dangerous things in the past. It’s just that, at the point when people need to take. risks and make significant changes in their lives, Gremlin will always be there.

The Gremlin has a favourite language set: “ I should be stronger……I shouldn’t be so needy…….. they won’t like it if I do……. I can’t succeed on my own……. I don’t have the answers /don’t have the money/talent, don’t have the experience/don’t have whatever they’re looking for.

The variations are endless. And at any point where the client is considering action that poses the slightest chance of risk, you will hear the Gremlin’s familiar phrases: “ What was I thinking of? This is stupid! This is too risky, and I might get hurt. What will they think of me? I’m out of my league and way over my head”.

The Gremlin is scared most of the time. But it’s even scarier when the Gremlin starts to sound almost reasonable: “I’ll be more productive if I wait until Monday……I have to earn a living after all……I should give this more consideration – no need to be hasty.” The Gremlin is always there to point out your weaknesses, your failure – to reinforce your self–limiting judgements and beliefs. He’s there to hold you back and hold you down.

The point to remember is this: The Gremlin does not care whether or not you honour your values. The Gremlin wants what it wants in the moment. About the only time the Gremlin cares about your values is when you’re not honouring them the way you said you would. Then the Gremlin says: “See, you’ve got no spine. You’ve got no follow-through. Give it up.” And remember that the Gremlin is with you for life. There is no killing it off. So the coach and the client must become skilled in noticing the Gremlin. It’s the first step to liberation.