"Sure I did. But I discovered I couldn't afford them."

"Too bad. Because you'll never be a contributor without them."

"Hey, listen! I'm a contributor. I go to work everyday. I go to church on Sunday. I pay my taxes."

"That's not contributing. That's coasting. Contributing is when you start giving a little more of yourself than duty demands."

"Like what, for instance?"

"Like for instance your talents, abilities and experiences. Where do you think dreams come from? When you're good at something you want to contribute that good. This becomes a dream. Deny dream and you slouch into a bundle of complaints."

"That sounds very high-minded. It also sounds irresponsible. I may not like my life right now but it's only one I've got. So unless I win lottery, I just have to keep prodding same road."

"Actually...you don't. You can change your life by simply making every day a contributing day. Do something...maybe several somethings...that make a contribution toward one or more dreams. These somethings don't have to be big or time consuming. But they will tend to change your focus from complaining to contributing.

"And I suppose you think payoff will be a lot of big time answers to all my dreams."

"Maybe. Maybe not. It doesn't matter. The real payoff is feeling better about yourself and your future."

"And what will your contribution be?"

"Why I thought you had that figured out. I'm your friendly butt kicker."

___________________________ ______________

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Most of us are not aware of importance or 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 time there is.

3. Am I mistaken in this assumption?

4. Am I confusing thought with fact?

5. Am I assuming every situation is 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 distortions in my own thinking?

10. What are advantages/disadvantages of holding to this perception?

Learn to challenge your perceptions and "life scripts." It boils down to 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