Adapted from Shifft interview with Russell Cummings
In the exploration of Shirzad Chamine’s influential book, Positive Intelligence, readers are introduced to a transformative framework for understanding the mind’s dual nature. At the heart of this framework lies the idea that our thinking is shaped by two internal forces—our inner Sage and our Saboteurs—each exerting powerful effects on our lives, decisions, and relationships.
The Duality of the Mind: Sage vs. Saboteur
Sage: The Voice of Wisdom
The Sage symbolizes our brain’s positive mental state—the calm, wise inner voice rooted in the prefrontal cortex. This state unlocks thriving and positive emotions, fostering growth, creativity, and resilience. When guided by the Sage, individuals experience greater empathy, insight, and a clear-headed approach to life’s challenges.
Saboteurs: Inner Critics and Limiters
Contrastingly, the Saboteurs represent negative mental states, originating in our primitive “Survivor brain”—the limbic system, often called the “lizard brain.” These inner critics undermine confidence, fuel self-doubt, and create emotional obstacles that limit personal and professional success.
Measuring Mindset: The PQ Score
Central to Chamine’s approach is the PQ (Positive Intelligence Quotient) Score, which tracks the proportion of time one’s mind operates in Sage mode versus Saboteur mode. A PQ score of 70, for example, signifies that positive, Sage-driven thoughts govern70% of the time, while sabotage patterns dominate the other 30%.
The Pursuit of High Performance
A critical finding is the tipping point at a PQ score of 75. Achieving or exceeding this threshold is associated with:
