Scriptings Can Be Broken

How is it possible that psychologists and anthropologists can make conclusions about human behavior? There are countless studies that indicate how people will react to specific stimuli. For example, it has been found that a person in uniform creates a higher rate of compliance from people compared to the same request by a non-uniformed person.

We rely on our stereotypes because the world around us is complex, fast-moving and at times, overwhelming. The mental shortcuts we adopt help us to streamline our thinking, decision-making and actions. To a large extent, we are playing out our scripts. We react rather than think, because it is the efficient path to engage reality in all its complexity.

To illustrate the scripting we have, let’s examine a few words:

• Risk
• Effort
• Expert
• Bargain
• Authority
• Easy

What are your immediate reactions without thinking to each word? To a true entrepreneur, “risk” affects her far differently than to an employee. “Easy” can be attractive or suspicious to a person depending on their experience. Our failures and experiences create a mindset we have. We see reality through a lens which shapes our thinking. It is only one perspective rather than a whole picture.

Reaction is a good thing. It allows us to navigate and make decisions in our complex world effectively. However, as Socrates said, “an unexamined life is not worth living.” We cannot break from our reactions, but we can examine them and steer them. Instead of only reacting, how about thinking?  Think through what is predictable about yourself.  How does this behavior align with what you truly desire?  If you can articulate what you really want out of business and life, here are three ways to re-script so you can optimize how you react:

1. Articulate your core values. You act out of your core values every day, often times subconsciously. They are what drive you. Your actions and decisions come from what you believe is important.
   
   
2. Define your summit. Who do you want to become? Is your life about comfort and the easy path? The words above will have a certain meaning to you. If your life is about purpose, then the words above will have a totally different connotation.
   
   
3. Create new structures. If someone took a look at your material world – possessions, friends, order, etc. – they can draw conclusions about who you are. Work it in reverse. Define who you want to be and let your structures reflect this. Do you want to embrace hard work? Take on a new challenge or subject. It will have a powerful effect on how you perceive the world and affect your reactions.

The fact is that we are all scripted.  It is why we have characteristics that others can describe and rely on encountering so readily.  While the mass of humanity is acting according to their scriptings, what would a directed life look like?  How would this impact what you are seeking to achieve in your life?  Be purposeful and study your habits.  Take action in the three things here and watch new directions emerge.  Otherwise, all that there is to live for is what is immediate and material.  Without context, purpose and definition the dreams you have will be ever elusive.  Far be it that you miss your passionate pursuit.