Page 132 - Taming Your Gremlin A Surprisingly Simple Method for Getting Out of Your Own Way (Rick Carson)_Neat

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Common Gremlin Strategies

Detecting and foiling your gremlin on the spot is always possible but often
very challenging. A little bit of knowledge about common gremlin
strategies can enhance your awareness. Remember, to simply notice him is
the first step in taming him.

THE “YOU CAN’T” STRATEGY

This strategy, while crude and unsophisticated, has been a part of the

activity of every gremlin I have encountered.

In the “You Can’t” strategy, your gremlin convinces you that you are
not capable of obtaining certain results by your actions. Your gremlin
knows that if you believe you have limits, you will never actualize your
potential. If you are unaware of your gremlin, he, of course, has an obvious
edge. After all, he has bombarded you with can’ts since before you were old

enough to reason. You probably accepted them carte blanche, without
consideration. You may not even be aware of the can’ts you have accepted.

As you begin to become aware of the can’ts by which you live your life,
you may find that some are accurate: you can’t fly, you can’t grow taller on
the spot, and you can’t walk on water. Others, however, may be subtle and
very powerful: you can’t change, you can’t tame your gremlin, you can’t
build anything with your hands, you can’t be a good athlete, you can’t
survive alone, you can’t make money, you can’t have a lasting relationship,

you can’t be an academic success, you can’t relax, and you can’t stand it
(the it can take infinite forms). The “I can’t stand it” line is a real puzzler.