Marketplace Proverbs & Coffee With Ernie

Reflecting on nearly 60 years in the marketplace, where I have worked as a personal production territory sales representative, team leader, and in senior VP leadership positions, as a sales coach, business development consultant, writer, and now podcast host, I see it clearly: I unknowingly brought on a silent helper and partner. It didn’t get a W-2, 1099, or owner’s draw. No paperwork, no I-9, no IRS EIN. But it showed up every day, whispering: “You can’t charge that amount. No one’s going to appreciate an offer like this. You’re not qualified to lead at that level. Remember that seventh-grade English teacher saying, ‘Ernie, you’re dumber than a dead stump—why would anyone value what you write or the content you create?”That silent partner was the Spirit of Not Good Enough. It disguised itself as modesty, caution, servanthood, and even humility. However, the longer it remained, the more influence it exerted over my career, confidence, and willingness to add real value and significance to others. Worse yet, it transformed into the spirit of heaviness, as Isaiah talks about:“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me... to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness...” Isaiah 61:1–3 NKJVThis heaviness wasn’t just a mindset. It was spiritual. I had partnered with a spirit of heaviness AKA Spirit of Not Good Enough.This spirit felt to me like walking through a door with clear plastic wrap stretched across the opening, the shrink wrap used on palletized shipments. I felt held back by an invisible force that slowed me down. Frankly, I had reached a point of significant frustration. I was discontent with my scarcity mindset and tired of feeling diminished, weary of fighting the invisible forces blocking my path. I was frustrated by wondering why I could not walk through the doors God seemed to open. Especially after praying often, “Lord, take me to people who need me and bring people to me you feel I need.” I frequently asked, “What am I doing wrong, Lord?”And then I sensed it clearly, what I feel is a voice from the Holy Spirit:“You didn’t just tolerate it, you elevated it. You granted trusted partnership status. If you want to move into overflow, you have to dissolve the partnership.”That was one of my many defining moments, helping me move forward. If I were to step into overflow, I would have to dissolve the partnership with the spirit of heaviness. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit marketplaceproverbs.substack.com