Who's In Charge Here?
Author: Steve Pilkington

My favorite author, Robert Fulghum, once wrote an essay
about a small town Fire Department that responded to a
second story apartment fire. In the bedroom of the
apartment they discovered a buring bed with a man lying in
it. They doused the fire and pulled the man to safety.

After which, they asked the victim, "What happened here?"
The man responded, "I don't know, it was on fire when I
lay down on it!" Ah...that's the human dilemma isn't it?
There are times when we simply don't understand our own
behavior, let alone the behavior of others. Traditionally,
preachers have stirred a lot of stink and psychiatrists' have
made a lot of money over this problem.

The problem here is that we all have "life scripts" that run in
our heads 24/7. These scripts pretty much govern our
perception of reality. They control our internal dialogue.
For example, during my growing up years I was told by
many people in many different ways that I'd never amount
to much...didn't have much potential...didn't have what it
takes to succeed.

When I went out for football in High School my coach told
me, as he handed me a new pair of cleats, "Pilkington, if
you are half as good as these new shoes, boy you'll really
be something." As a kid and teenager when you are told
that or something similar enough times , you begin to believe
it and it becomes a "life script" written on the slate of your
spirit.

Once you accept a "life script" then you begin to believe it.
After all, it must be true because you wouldn't lie to
yourself. Or would you? What happens as you move into
adulthood, having believed that "life script" is that the past
reaches into the present and determines the future.

Most of us are not aware of the importance or the impact of
these "life scripts," but they govern how we perceive reality
about others and ourselves. "Life scripts" direct our lives
whether these scripts are positive or negative. They govern
our perceptions.

What are we to do about "life scripts" that keep us from
being our best selves? Challenge those "life scripts."

Here are some ways. Ask yourself:
1. Is there evidence for this belief? Is this logical or
reasonable?

2. Is there another way of viewing this perception? Most of
the time there is.

3. Am I mistaken in this assumption?

4. Am I confusing thought with fact?

5. Am I assuming every situation is the same?

6. Am I being honest with myself?

7. Am I thinking in all-or-none terms?

8. Am I overlooking my own strengths?

9. What are the distortions in my own thinking?

10. What are the advantages/disadvantages of holding to
this perception?

Learn to challenge your perceptions and "life scripts." It
boils down to the question concerning your life: "Who's in
charge here?"
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Article by Steve Pilkington, Personal Development Coach.
You can subscribe to his FREE ezine "Create The Life You
Are Meant To Live" which features original articles, tips
and information all geared toward helping your live your
best and most productive life. Send a blank email to
subscribe@lifecoachpro.net with "subscribeAA" in the subject
line or visit http://www.lifecoachpro.net






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Article by Steve Pilkington, Personal Development Coach. You can subscribe to his FREE ezine "Create The Life You Are Meant To Live" which features original articles, tips and information all geared toward helping your live your best and most productive life. Go to: http://www.lifecoachpro.net

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