Quietly motivating and developing leaders of great talent
Voices in the Arena
Voices in the Arena came from looking closer at Roosevelt’s “Man in the Arena” and recognizing there is more too it. So, here is another perspective on what happens in life’s arena:
Voices in the Arena
It is not the critic who counts, nor the one who points out how the strong stumble. What holds us back are our inner voices that give such critics credibility.
We are not defined by our stumbles, our repeated failings, or our errors.
We are often defined by the inner voices that tell us we can’t do better, that we don’t deserve better. Or we can be defined by the voices that whisper: rise again, try again — because we can and will do better, and we do deserve better.
With each stumble or fall comes a lesson. When we look for that lesson, and believe we have simply not overcome that challenge yet, we rise stronger, wiser, and with greater conviction.
There are voices within us that whisper we are strong enough, capable enough, and deserving of better. When we listen to those voices, there is little we are not capable of. They are the light that lives within us.
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. The belief that anything is possible can be unsettling. That belief can let those inner voices of doubt creep back in.
Those voices will always be present. And yet, so will the voices that whisper we are capable and deserving. Our choice lies in which voices we listen to.
CD 2025, Talent Whisperers®
Explore how inner voices define who rises after failure
In the stillness between failure and faith, the quietest voices show us who we are.
Voices in the Arena – exploring how inner voices shape courage, self-belief, and growth.
Man in the Arena
I based my “Voices in the Arena” on Roosevelt’s “Man in the Arena. The renowned passage “Man in the Arena” was originally part of a speech (“Citizenship in a Republic”) Roosevelt gave in 1910 at the Sorbonne in Paris soon after his second term as U.S. President:
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
Brené Brown gave her most famous TED Talk, “The Power of Vulnerability,” a century after Roosevelt’s speech. She published her book, “Daring Greatly,” in 2012, citing Roosevelt’s speech.
Our Journey
My personal journey taught me that it was not the critics that held me back, but my inner saboteurs that gave their criticism credibility. If found my journey in life’s arena isn’t about silencing all doubts but recognizing their source and choosing to listen to empowering voices instead. Brené Brown’s concept of “rising strong” captures this beautifully: every failure is an opportunity to rise, learn, and dare greatly once more.
Brené Brown’s “rising strong” concept beautifully captures the idea that every failure is an opportunity to rise, learn, and dare greatly once more. This aligns directly with Learned Resilience, which shows how we grow stronger through reflection, not perfection.
In the arena of life, our battles that matter aren’t against external critics but against the inner voices and saboteurs within. By naming and transforming these inner voices, we amplify our allies, build resilience, and step forward with confidence. Whether inspired by Co-Active Coaching, Positive Intelligence, the wisdom of thought leaders, or traditional belief systems, the path forward is clear: lean into vulnerability, embrace growth, and thrive.
A truth echoed across cultures and belief systems throughout history
In researching this further, I discovered that the notion of inner voices that hold us back, and quieter inner voices that can propel us forward is a theme you can find echoed across cultures and belief systems throughout history. You can also find many recent and present day philosophers, psychologists and thinkers that speak to this. See Saboteurs & Allies: Master Your Inner Voices for a much deeper exploration of this.
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
Williamson’s reflection expands the idea that our greatest battle is not with external critics, but with the inner voices that urge us to stay small. Her words echo the same call found in The Man in the Arena: that courage is not just about facing failure, but about daring to embody our full light. The voices that echo you’re too much, too bold, too visible are the same saboteurs that mask a deeper fear—of our own power and potential. When we recognize that fear of inadequacy is often a fear of greatness, we free ourselves to rise again, not only for our own growth but to give others permission to do the same.
Your Inner Arena
The battle between the two wolves is always within us, just as the voices in our own arenas will always be present. Our real choice lies in which voices we listen to and which ones we choose to nourish. Every decision, big or small, feeds one wolf while weakening the other. Do you find yourself listening to the voice of the critic, or the voice of the whisperer?
Ready to feed the wolf that will lead you to a stronger, more resilient self? Explore our related resources to continue your journey.
Neuroplasticity — understand how the brain rewires itself through learning and practice.
Atomic Habits — explore how small daily changes build lasting growth.
Atomic Rituals — learn how teams and organizations evolve through shared micro-practices.
10x Engineer — recognize and cultivate extraordinary potential in others.
See Also
Brené Brown on “The Man in the Arena” — Brown credits Theodore Roosevelt’s Man in the Arena speech as the foundation for her work on courage and vulnerability. She describes how it transformed her understanding of what it means to show up, risk criticism, and live wholeheartedly.
How “The Man in the Arena” Shaped Brené Brown’s Life and Message — Brown reframes Roosevelt’s metaphor as the personal “arena” where courage, failure, and resilience meet. Her interpretation calls us to face not only outer critics but the inner voices that tell us to stay small.
Marianne Williamson’s “Our Deepest Fear” — Williamson’s reflection reminds us that our fear of inadequacy often hides a deeper fear of our own power. Her words call us to listen beyond the inner saboteurs to the allies that speak of worthiness and light.
Overcoming Inner Voices Through “Our Deepest Fear”— This reflection connects Williamson’s quote to the psychology of self-doubt, exploring how our inner voices often resist our own potential for growth and contribution — and how awareness helps us reclaim them as allies.
Glossary of Terms – Voices in the Arena
Addictive Inner Loop
A self-reinforcing cycle of thought, urge, and behavior sustained by a familiar inner voice. These loops can be disrupted by awareness, ritual, or reframing.
Alchemy (Psychological Alchemy)
The symbolic process of transforming inner struggles and limiting beliefs (lead) into self-awareness and personal growth (gold).
Allies (Inner Allies)
Supportive inner voices that encourage confidence, resilience, and constructive action. They counteract saboteurs and reinforce a positive self-narrative.
Arena (Life’s Arena)
A metaphor for engaging fully in life’s challenges, inspired by Roosevelt’s “Man in the Arena.” It represents the inner battle between self-doubt and courage.
Empowering Voices
Quiet inner whispers that say “rise again,” “you are capable,” and “you deserve better.” These voices guide us toward growth and resilience.
Gremlin
A mischievous saboteur that whispers “you’ll never be enough” or “don’t stand out.” Often easier to spot through humor or pattern recognition.
Inner Ally
A supportive internal voice that reconnects us to values, purpose, and possibility. Unlike saboteurs, allies guide through alignment, not fear.
Inner Critic
A recurring internal voice that judges, shames, or doubts. Often reinforces inherited beliefs and perfectionism.
Internal Boardroom
The internal council of voices—Saboteurs, Allies, Critics, Sages—that vie for influence over our choices and self-perception.
