Invisible Scripts

"Using the power of decision gives you the capacity to get past any excuse to change any and every part of your life in an instant." Tony Robbins

If you press one foot on the accelerator and the other one on the brake, what do you think will happen?

There is going to be substantial energy produced. Unfortunately, it is going to coil up, and we will lose all of it. That is what life feels like when we have invisible scripts holding us back.

Their job is to protect us from failure, shame, loss, losing control, not being heard, and many other factors. They are also the most significant impediments holding us back from achieving our true potential.

Let's take an example to add some colour to the above:

Peter is a recently promoted senior manager. He made it this far through his excellent skills and ability to deliver. In his new role, he commits to be more open and delegate much more.

However, he is very quick to shoot down new ideas. Doesn't ask enough open-ended questions or seeks opinions of others. This attitude is an example of one foot on the accelerator and the other squarely placed on the brakes.

The question we need to ask ourselves is why is Peter doing this?

The chances are high that he needs to maintain control. To be in a position where he preserves his place as the one who knows best, to be an indispensable member of the team.

The question Peter needs to ask himself is why does he need that much control on the situation?

Perhaps, when he relinquishes control a few things might happen. The team may lose respect for him. He may think that he is not contributing at the level that is expected of him. Lastly, it could be that his sense of identity is wrapped up with the control he needs. Losing that sense of control would mean having to start again. What if he fails at his new responsibilities?

The story above is a simple example of invisible scripts running. 

All of us have invisible scripts that are running. The big surprise is that everyone else can see them. However, everyone is so busy dealing with their scripts they do not have time to deal with yours.

The change starts with one simple step:

1. Make a list of possible commitments that you think will relieve the most significant weight from your foot on the brake.

2. Pick one commitment and share it with your manager.

3. Begin tracking your actions to see if you can break the invisible scripts that are holding you back.

This change needs to happen on an individual level before working on the collective invisible scripts that are holding us back.

There is no better time to start taking inventory of yourself and becoming more self-aware.