Page 22 - G-Gold to Lead
P. 22

The final two parts of this story illustrate the Young Man’s rejection of suggestions because of his irrational concerns of “What others might do or not do, say or not say.” He is concerned that others might make fun of the homemade dolls. He also fears that no one is willing to help him learn to be a plumber, as suggested by the Old Man.
These self-messages cause him to be overly concerned about the imagined reactions of others to the doll idea and cause him to assume he knows what will be the reaction of others in a given situation (teaching him to be a plumber).
This is called “Magical Thinking.” You know that others will say “no,” so why bother asking.
You may not try out for the school play because you know that your teacher will not choose you. You don’t put much effort into your science project because you know who will win and it won’t be you. These types of self-messages are very self-limiting. This type of Stinky Thinking limits not only what you try to do but also whose advice you will follow.
You fail to follow the good guidance of others or even your own good ideas because of these irrational beliefs. Examples of this type of thinking could fill many pages. In the story, not only does the Young Man reject the “Plumber” suggestion, he denies that he wants to move to town to get a job. By lying to himself, he avoids really thinking about what he is doing.
19


































































































   20   21   22   23   24