Understanding the Saboteur Assessment® and the Benefits for a Better Mindset

Vicki Baird
4 hours ago
5 min read

Let’s get real for a moment. You’ve got a mind that’s constantly buzzing, juggling decisions, doubts, and dreams. You want to trust yourself more, quiet the noise, and live with clarity. But how? May I suggest the Saboteur Assessment? A tool that’s been quietly changing the game for women like us who want to blend intuition, intelligence, and heart without the fluff or toxic positivity.

I’ve been in business for 25 years, and one thing I’ve learned is that mindset isn’t just about positive thinking. It’s about understanding how your brain works, how your inner voice speaks, and how you can tune into that wisdom with a little help from science. So, let’s dive into what the PQ Assessment is, why it matters, and how it can help you step into your power with more ease and sass.

What Is the Assessment and Why Should You Care?

PQ stands for Positive Intelligence Quotient. It is the work of Shirzad Chamine and Positive Intelligence® and a component of my coaching. Think of it as a measure of how well your mind serves you versus how often it sabotages you. The PQA is designed to reveal the balance between your “Sage” (your wise, calm, and clear self) and your “Saboteurs” (those pesky inner critics and anxious voices that love to stir the pot).

Here’s the kicker: your brain is wired to protect you, but sometimes it overdoes it. The Saboteurs are like that overprotective friend who means well but ends up making things harder. The PQ Test helps you identify these voices and gives you tools to strengthen your Sage muscles.

If you want to stop second-guessing yourself and start trusting your gut with confidence, this test is a game-changer. It’s not about erasing the messiness of being human—because that’s impossible—but about learning to dance with it instead of getting trampled.

Eye-level view of a woman sitting calmly with a journal and pen — A woman embracing calmness and clarity through journaling

The PQ Test Benefits You Can’t Ignore

Now, let’s talk benefits. Why bother with the PQ Test? Because it’s not just another self-help gimmick. It’s backed by neuroscience and practical psychology, and it delivers results you can feel in your daily life.

Here’s what you get:

Clarity in Chaos: When your Saboteurs are loud, your mind feels like a messy desk. The PQ Test helps you clear that clutter so you can focus on what truly matters.
Emotional Agility: You learn to recognize when your brain is hijacking your emotions and how to shift gears quickly.
Better Decision-Making: With a stronger Sage, you make choices that align with your values and goals, not just your fears.
Improved Relationships: When you’re less reactive, your connections deepen because you’re showing up as your authentic self.
Resilience Boost: Life throws curveballs. The PQ Test helps you bounce back faster by rewiring your response to stress.

And here’s a little secret: the PQ Test isn’t just about fixing problems. It’s about amplifying your inner wisdom and joy. It’s about living with a mindset that feels like your best friend cheering you on, not a critic waiting to pounce.

If you want to explore this further, check out the pq test vicki baird for a trusted guide who brings warmth and expertise to the process.

What Are Some PQ Exercises?

Okay, so you’ve taken the test or you’re curious about how to start. What next? The PQ system comes with practical exercises that help you build your mental fitness. These aren’t complicated rituals or hours of meditation. They’re simple, effective, and designed to fit into your busy life.

Here are a few favorites:

PQ Reps: This is like a mental push-up. You focus your attention on your breath or a physical sensation for 10-20 seconds. It helps interrupt the Saboteur’s chatter and brings you back to the present moment.
Sage Perspective: When you notice a negative thought, ask yourself, “What would my wise self say here?” This shifts your mindset from judgment to curiosity.
Self-Command: Use phrases like “Relax, I’ve got this” to calm your nervous system and remind yourself you’re in control.
Gratitude Pause: Take a moment to list three things you’re grateful for. This rewires your brain to notice the good, even when life feels messy.
Empathy Practice: When you feel triggered by someone, try to see the situation from their perspective. This softens your response and strengthens connection.

These exercises are like mental vitamins. The more you do them, the stronger your Sage gets, and the quieter those Saboteurs become. You don’t have to be perfect at it—just consistent.

Close-up view of a notebook with handwritten PQ exercises and a pen — A notebook showing practical PQ exercises for mindset training

How the PQ Test Connects Intuition and Neuroscience

Here’s where it gets juicy. The PQ Test isn’t just about brain science or just about intuition—it’s about the beautiful intersection of both. Your intuition is that quiet, knowing voice inside you. Neuroscience shows us that this voice lives in the Sage part of your brain, which can be strengthened like a muscle.

When your Saboteurs take over, they drown out your intuition with fear, doubt, and noise. The PQ Test helps you recognize these patterns and gives you tools to dial down the volume. This means you can hear your inner wisdom more clearly and act on it with confidence.

It’s like having a GPS for your mind. Instead of wandering around lost in self-doubt, you get clear directions from your own inner guide. And yes, it’s totally normal for the Saboteurs to show up—they’re part of being human. The goal isn’t to banish them but to manage them so they don’t run the show.

This blend of intuition and neuroscience is what makes the PQ Test so powerful. It respects your inner knowing while giving you practical ways to strengthen it.

Making the PQ Test Work for You Every Day

So, you’ve got the test results, you know your Saboteurs, and you’ve tried a few exercises. How do you make this stick? Here’s the real talk: mindset work is a practice, not a quick fix. But with a few strategies, you can make it part of your daily rhythm without it feeling like a chore.

Start Small: Pick one PQ exercise and do it for 2 minutes a day. Consistency beats intensity.
Anchor It: Tie your practice to something you already do, like brushing your teeth or your morning coffee.
Celebrate Wins: Notice when you catch a Saboteur in action and shift to your Sage. Give yourself credit.
Get Support: Share your journey with a friend or coach who gets it. Accountability helps.
Be Kind to Yourself: You will slip up. That’s human. Laugh it off and start again.

Remember, the PQ Test is a tool to help you live your best life, not a test you pass or fail. It’s about becoming more you—clearer, calmer, and more connected to your own wisdom.

If you’re ready to quiet the noise and trust yourself again, the PQ Test is a powerful step. It’s grounded in science, infused with soul, and designed for women who want to lead with heart and smarts. No fluff, no judgment—just real tools for a real life.

Give yourself permission to be messy, to be human, and to grow. Your Sage is waiting to show up.

High angle view of a cozy workspace with a laptop, coffee, and a plant — A cozy workspace inviting clarity and focused mindset work

Meet Your Saboteurs

If you’d like to go deeper, download my worksheet: “Getting to Know ME” (Me as yourself). It’s filled with gentle, eye-opening prompts to reconnect with your inner wisdom and see your Saboteurs for what they really are—well-meaning but outdated protectors.

Subscribe to my email list, and you’ll receive it for free + a 10% off coupon for any item in my shop!