Odile Cacace The Fiber Tryst/Rendez-vous avec la Fibre

Is life feeling particularly tough right now? Or maybe it’s always felt like an uphill battle?
Have you ever asked yourself: Am I stuck in a cycle of self-sabotage?

Many of us engage in self-sabotaging behaviors without even realizing it.

But what does that really mean?

Self-sabotage often shows up in the form of inner dialogue like:

*I don’t know how to work properly. 

* I’m useless. 
* I bring bad luck to everyone around me. 
* I always make the wrong decisions. 
* I’m not worthy. 
* I’m not smart enough. 
* I always get fooled. 

Did you know that your brain operates in two modes? 

1. The Default Mode – When you’re on autopilot, running on habitual thoughts and behaviors. 
2. The Direct Mode – When you are fully present and consciously in control of your thoughts and actions. 

By learning how to shift from Default Mode to Direct Mode, you can take control of your life and create real change. 

The Default Mode: How It Works

The Default Mode exists to make life easier and to protect you. Your brain has created automatic responses based on what you’ve been told throughout your life—your experiences, your culture, religion, and environment. 

For example, you don’t need to relearn how to walk, write, or speak every time—you just do it automatically. Your mother taught you from a young age that it’s polite to say thank you and inappropriate to raise your voice. That information is imprinted in your mind, so your brain doesn’t need to process it every time—it just reacts.

The problem arises when negative thoughts become part of this automated system. If you repeatedly tell yourself that you’re weak, incompetent, or unlucky, your brain starts treating these statements as facts. 

Once ingrained, these thoughts influence every aspect of your life, making everything feel harder. You remain stuck on autopilot because it requires no effort—but at what cost? 

💡 The good news? You can take back control and switch to Direct Mode! 

How to Break the Cycle 

It’s a process that takes practice, but science proves that your mind believes what you tell it. 

Step 1: Recognize When You’re on Autopilot 

Whenever you catch yourself thinking negatively, write it down—without judgment, just observe. 

Step 2: Analyze the Impact of These Beliefs 

For example, if your belief is “I’m not good enough at my job”, ask yourself: 

– What has this belief cost me in the past? 
“I never applied for a better position.” 

– What is it costing me now? 
“I constantly doubt the quality of my work. I feel stuck in repetitive tasks and exhausted by my workdays.” 

Step 3: Project the Future Impact 

– If I don’t change this belief, what will it cost me in the future? 
“I’ll finish my career feeling unfulfilled. I’ll go to work unmotivated, dragging through long, miserable days. I might even become bitter and unpleasant.” 

Rewriting Your Internal Dialogue 

Your mind believes what you tell it—so tell it something better! 

Start replacing these self-defeating beliefs with positive affirmations. 

For instance, remind yourself of times when you felt proud of an achievement. It doesn’t have to be work-related—it could be a childhood drawing, a sports game, or a kind gesture. The important thing is to shift your mindset. 

At first, finding positive memories might feel difficult, but once you start, more will come. Celebrate your wins, no matter how small. Encourage yourself. 

Over time, your confidence will grow, life will feel lighter, and you’ll gain more control over your thoughts. 

Take It One Step at a Time 

Replace one limiting belief at a time. Work on it for several days while continuing to notice and write down negative autopilot thoughts. 

When you feel ready, move on to another belief. 

The Power of Direct Mode 

Being in Direct Mode means taking control of your thoughts and evolving into a new, more empowered version of yourself. 

You have the power to rewrite your story—one thought at a time.  

Personal Note

« What I share here is the result of my own journey. I explore life through books, podcasts, conversations, documentaries… and most of all, through experience. I’m not an expert in anything, but I love to test, observe, adjust, and hold on to what works for me. If my discoveries resonate with you or inspire you to try something new, I’ll be happy. »