When an important conversation at work or a date mysteriously goes wrong, many think, "I knew it would fail." If it happens frequently that a plan fails for inexplicable reasons, it's worth asking whether negative life messages might be preventing success. Phrases like "You can't do that" or "You'll never make it" often have a formative impact on us from childhood. Thoughtless remarks from parents and teachers can lead to the well-known "self-fulfilling prophecies." However, sometimes we also trap ourselves mentally by misinterpreting certain experiences or feeling unworthy of happiness and success due to guilt. Regardless of where the negative programming comes from, we should quickly drive away that "inner goblin" that holds us back.