Who's In Charge Here?

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?" ********************************************* 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