Flip The Script

"This is a slippery slope and leads to sub-par, unfocused work and mental fatigue/stress"

I’ve made a commitment to start writing again this year. It gives me real pleasure. It’s an outlet for thoughts, frustrations and things I want to share. Recently though, I’ve been telling myself I’m too busy to make time for it.

This is a good example of a script that needs re-writing.

I’m not a fan of New Year’s Resolutions, I’ve written about that before. I prefer to use the break at this time of year to consider the mental scripts I’ve created and question whether they need re-writing. I find it’s a good time of year to rest and reset.

I guess it’s part of the continuous improvement mindset I’ve always had – if I don’t think about how I can do things better, no one else is going to do it for me.

We all create scripts, all the time. From big ones that hold us back (think imposter syndrome) to tiny weeny ones.

The one I mentioned at the top of this post is a big one for me and it’s linked to many others. Apparently, because I’m so busy, not only do I not have time to write but I also need to be doing multiple things at once. I need to check my WhatsApp, Slack, email and phone all at the same time as trying to do something else. This is a slippery slope and leads to sub-par, unfocused work and mental fatigue/stress.

Often, I find the scripts that need re-writing are the ones that sneak up on you. In many cases these are small and insignificant, they cause frustration and sometimes worse, anger but you keep doing them. It could be as simple as always eating something even though it makes you feel tired or listening to a certain piece of music even though it conjures up sad memories. You’re in control of these scripts but for some reason, perhaps because of habit, you keep on pushing through.

On top of the continuous improvement, the main benefit I get from flipping these scripts is a well-being one. Small changes are often enough to see significant shifts in my mindset and daily life. I’m often surprised how much a simple change can have a positive effect on me.

Change is difficult but if you want to grow, to improve in what you do, then it’s essential. Re-writing your scripts is a great way to practice this.

Next time you find yourself questioning something you do, rather than carrying on, mentally note it and think about how you could do it differently. Allow yourself time to daydream, create the brain space to think about what’s annoying or frustrating you and then consider how you could change it up. If you don’t it just gnaws away slowly at you.

Got thoughts on this? I’d love to hear them. What have you changed recently to improve your life?

p.s. Today I’ve had coconut milk in my coffee. I ALWAYS drink it black.