Blog posts from Heather at The Common Sage

The Critic and the Sage

  • Heather Holmes-Lonergan
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The Critic and the Sage
# The Critic and the Sage: Master the Internal Dialogue Holding You Back

Inside every ambitious person exists an internal battle between two powerful voices—the Critic that protects us from risk and the Sage that calls us toward our dreams. When these voices clash, they create endless loops of self-doubt that can paralyze even the most capable among us, keeping big dreams forever out of reach. Understanding the origins of both voices and why they activate reveals that this internal conflict isn't a sign of weakness—it's a sign of a brain doing exactly what it was designed to do. The good news? You don't have to stay trapped in this argument loop forever. By learning to recognize and align with your Sage voice while respecting what your Critic is trying to do, you can make intentional choices grounded in your deepest values and finally move forward on the goals that matter most to you.
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Hi, I’m Heather! I'm ready to help you achieve a more peaceful, joyful, and meaningful life.

This is my Story

Like most people, I wear a lot of hats in life. I’m a mom of three, a wife, a teacher, a coach, a volunteer, a sister, a daughter, and a friend. But I’m also more than the roles I play. I’m intuitive, deeply curious, and always listening for the things beneath the surface that matter most.
I earned my PhD in developmental psychology and have spent over two decades teaching, coaching, and walking alongside people as they discover who they are and what they’re meant to do. As a life and executive coach, I’ve worked with everyone from college students charting their first path to C-suite executives navigating high-stakes leadership.
Outside of my work, you’ll find me living a life that balances movement and stillness. I live in the Colorado countryside surrounded by pine trees, dogs, cats, and chickens. I love hiking, skiing, and camping—but I also love curling up on the couch with a detective show. I’m a social introvert, which means I love being with people but know I need space to recharge, too.
For more than 20 years, I’ve given back through community volunteering because I believe we’re all here to make a difference, no matter the size. My many interests used to feel scattered, but now I see them as the threads that make me feel most alive and connected. And what I once thought of as my “sensitivity” I now see as my superpower—it allows me to notice, care, and connect in ways that make coaching so powerful.
At the heart of it all, my purpose is simple: to help you know and trust yourself. My mission is to help you discover what makes you uniquely YOU, and to bring those gifts forward with meaning and purpose. When your time here is done, my deepest wish is that you know why you were here, what you were meant to do, and the deep satisfaction of a life well-lived.


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