How complicit are you in creating the conditions you say you don’t want? [1]
I’ve written a few times about the stories we tell ourselves. I’ve also discussed how we are characters in those stories. Let’s take that theme a little further.
Think about an issue you are trying to resolve at the moment. One you are finding difficult or frustrating.
Now, here is a list of potential character roles you might be filling in that story [2]:
- Advisor
- Artist
- Architect
- Boss
- Builder
- Carer
- Coach
- Collaborator
- Communicator
- Conductor
- Counsellor
- Dictator
- Disruptor
- Doctor
- Expert
- Follower
- Gate Keeper
- Innovator
- Judge
- Leader
- Listener
- Manager
- Mentor
- Nurse
- Observer
- Outsider
- Participant
- Passenger
- Planner
- Player
- Prisoner
- Story Teller
- Student
- Supporter
- Teacher
- Victim
Can you pick one that resonates for you? Pick one and then answer these questions:
- How does the character you chose, normally act?
- How does being that character have you acting?
- How are others responding to that character?
Now, pick a different character. Pick one you would like to be in this story and answer these questions:
- How would the new character normally act?
- If you were this character, how would that have you changing your behaviour?
- How would others respond to you if you were that new character?
Repeat the exercise until you find the character, behaviour and response that you are after.
[1] I first heard this question when listening to a podcast hosted by Tim Ferriss
[2] There are many more characters. Which ones haven’t I listed?