Mind Set Matters
Autobiography in 5 Short Chapters
When it’s not your fault, you have no power.
When you tell me your current situation is not your fault, I feel bad for you.
Not because of your current situation, but because of your beliefs about your current situation.
Until we take radical responsibility for whatever part is ours, however small or large, we have no leverage for change…
It reminds me of something I’ve not thought of in quite a while, called “Autobiography in 5 Short Chapters” attributed to Portia Nelson:
Chapter 1: I walk down the road. There’s a big hole in the road. I don’t see it. I fall in. It’s dark and scary. It’s not my fault. I take a long time to get out.
Chapter 2: I walk down the road. There’s a big hole in the road. I don’t see it. I fall in. It’s dark and scary. It’s not my fault. I take less time to get out.
Chapter 3: I walk down the road. There’s a big hole in the road. I see it. I fall in any way. It’s dark and scary. Maybe I’ve got something to do with this. I get out.
Chapter 4: I walk down the road. There’s a big hole in the road. I see it. I walk around the hole.
Chapter 5: I walk down a different road.
Action Questions
- What chapter are you on right now?
- Do you have to read the entire book or can you get to Chapter 5 more quickly?
- What would it mean to “walk down a different road” right now?