Your Next Level Devil…it might be you!
A Phrase That Hits Home
I was listening to Cody Sanchez’s Big Deal podcast recently when I heard a phrase that made me pause:
“Every level brings a new devil.”
If you’ve ever been promoted, stepped into a bigger role, or grown your business, you’ve probably felt the truth of that statement. New levels come with new responsibilities, bigger stakes, and more eyes on you. And with that often comes stress, uncertainty, and imposter syndrome that can creep in when you least expect it.
It’s a modern version of that ‘90s wisdom: mo money, mo problems.
A Real-Life Moment of Doubt
Later that same day, I was driving home when my husband called. We often catch up during our shared commute — it’s a little rhythm we’ve built into our day. He told me about a meeting he’d had with some high-ranking military leaders, and in the middle of explaining the dynamics, he paused and said:
“Sometimes I wonder how I even got to this position.”
I’ve heard that line before — from colleagues, clients, and even from myself.
I reminded him what I would remind any high-performing, thoughtful leader: You didn’t land here by accident. You earned your spot with your work ethic, your integrity, and your persistence. The fact that you even care that much is part of what makes you so good at what you do.
Then I shared that podcast quote — and added my own spin:
Every level brings a new devil… and sometimes, that devil is you.
The Voice That Follows You Up the Ladder
When we rise to new levels — whether it’s a title change, a leadership promotion, or a personal milestone — we don’t just get new responsibilities. We also meet new internal resistance.
That little voice shows up:
You’re not ready. You’re not experienced enough. What if they find out you’re just figuring it out as you go?
It’s self-doubt, imposter syndrome, perfectionism — whatever name you give it, it’s the same thing. And it’s surprisingly common among high achievers.
Especially for women in male-dominated fields, or professionals who’ve taken an unconventional path to leadership, that voice can feel loud. It shows up not because you’re unqualified — but because you’re growing. And growth always comes with resistance.
You’re Not Alone — And You’re Not an Imposter
There are countless career coaches out there who can help you get the seat — and that’s important. But the ones who really make a difference? They help you keep the seat. Own it. Grow into it.
One of my favorite quotes comes from Greg Harden, the legendary performance coach behind athletes like Tom Brady and Michael Phelps. He said:
“We do not rise to the level of our potential. We rise to the level of our beliefs.”
So if your beliefs haven’t caught up with your current reality — if your inner narrative is still stuck a few steps behind your resume — then yes, the devil you’re facing may very well be internal.
But here’s the good news: you can quiet that voice. You can rewire the belief system that no longer fits the level you’re operating at now.
How to Quiet the Devil and Build Belief
If that inner voice of doubt is getting louder as you rise, here’s how to quiet it — with tools that go beyond basic advice and tap into both mindset and well-being:
- Gather the Evidence
When self-doubt creeps in, it’s tempting to forget how far you’ve come. Counter that by gathering real, tangible evidence of your growth. Look at the tough conversations you’ve navigated, the high-stakes decisions you’ve made, the people who turn to you for leadership. Keep a private running list or folder of these wins — not to brag, but to ground yourself. It’s hard to argue with facts. - Audit Your Strengths — Honestly and Often
Set aside the job title and ask yourself: What do I actually do well? What do people consistently rely on me for? When do I feel most in flow, most confident, most effective? Don’t limit this to technical skills — include your emotional intelligence, adaptability, intuition, and creative thinking. When you articulate your strengths, you reinforce your value from the inside out. - Tend to Your Foundation
A regulated, rested, and energized version of you makes better decisions — and silences the inner critic faster. That “devil” grows loudest when you’re depleted. So move your body. Eat food that fuels you. Sleep. Breathe. Take breaks. This isn’t soft stuff; it’s strategic maintenance for your leadership capacity. A healthy you is a more capable, clear-minded, and confident you. - Redefine Success Beyond the Job
Sometimes the devil shows up because we’ve tethered our entire identity to career achievement. Try measuring success in other areas: Are you present with your family? Are you growing in your relationships, your creativity, your health, your joy? When you feel successful in more than one part of your life, it builds momentum — and gives that devil less power to define your worth.
Final Thought: You Belong Here
You didn’t land where you are by accident. You earned it — with your experience, your resilience, your perspective, and your unique voice.
So when that inner devil shows up, don’t back down. Name it. Challenge it. Keep showing up anyway.
Because the truth is, you’re not here to survive the next level.
You’re here to lead in it.
Want help owning your next level? I’d love to hear what challenge you’re facing — let’s talk about it. Email me at [email protected]
