The Hidden Game Your Mind has been Playing for Years

Personal growth is rarely a straight climb. It’s more like Snakes & Ladders. Sometimes you leap forward – a breakthrough, a shift, a win. Other times, old programming hisses back: doubts, fears, habits, ego tricks. The truth? Falling isn’t failure. It’s part of the game.

Every “snake” moment is the ego at work. The old programme wants safety, not expansion. It resists change by pulling you into familiar thoughts “I’m not ready… I’ll fail again… What’s the point?” But every snake is also feedback – proof you’re moving, climbing, growing.

Strategies

CYT (Catch Yourself Thinking)

When a limiting thought arises, pause and acknowledge it as outdated programming. By simply recognising these patterns, you create the space to move beyond old habits and embrace personal growth.

Name the Snake

Assign a light-hearted name – such as “Doubt Dragon” or “Fear Hiss.” By labelling these thoughts, you create distance from them, allowing you to observe objectively and respond with greater clarity and control.

Anchor a Ladder

Record a recent breakthrough. When challenges arise, refer back to your progress- reflecting on these achievements helps diminish old habits and reinforces your continued growth.

Breathe and Reset

Pause for three slow, intentional breaths – inhaling calm and exhaling any negative thoughts. As you regain your composure, visualise your next positive action. This brief reset supports clear and confident progress.

Use Mini-Intentions

Rather than becoming caught up in unhelpful thoughts, intentionally shift your focus using a mini-intention such as “I choose clarity now… I choose calm now.” This mindful approach enables you to respond with greater purpose and maintain a sense of control.

Normalise the Game

Remind yourself: Encountering obstacles does not indicate you are stuck; it signifies you are making progress. Each challenge is a valuable milestone, reflecting your ongoing growth and development.

Conclusion

The climb of self-mastery isn’t about avoiding snakes. It’s about recognising them, resetting quickly, and remembering that every fall is part of the path upwards. Progress isn’t lost when you slip — it’s reinforced every time you choose to rise again. Snakes will always appear. So will ladders. Your job is to keep climbing, to play the game consciously, and to trust that Liberation is always waiting at the summit. Keep going. You’re further than you think.

Ponderings

• Which “snakes” keep showing up in my climb right now?
• What ladders have I climbed recently that prove my progress?
• How can I reframe a setback as feedback today?
• What intention will I reset to when the next snake appears?

Refer A Friend

Know Someone Who Could Use a Breakthrough?

Now you’ve found value in our coaching conversations – whether it’s more clarity, a renewed sense of purpose, peace of mind, a fresh perspective or fired up for success – then you know how powerful mindset work can be.

That’s why I’m inviting you to refer a friend, family member or colleague who might be navigating a challenge, feeling stuck, or simply ready for change. They’ll receive a complimentary discovery call, where we’ll explore:

• What’s keeping them stuck
• What they really want from life
• And how to create more clarity, ease and direction – starting now

No pressure. Just a safe, powerful conversation that could shift everything. You know what it feels like to get unstuck. Let someone else experience it too.