Sabotage-proofing through setbacks 166 unconscious mind might sabotage your conscious self. Make it a game. Sometimes you will be able to stop it – other times it will be too late. Like an experienced General after a lost battle, don’ t beat yourself up – think through exactly how your unconscious outwitted you. All the time be respectful of your unconscious, after all it is only doing its job of keeping you safe by keeping you in known territory! You will find that if you can respect your unconscious you can be more respectful of yourself and not punish yourself. It is critical to avoid the seduction of coming down on yourself. That would be to play the‘ setback is a failure’ game. We actually beat ourselves up for a very particular purpose – it is all about softening us up in preparation to convince us to give up. Along with God – the mind works in mysterious ways!