We’ve talked about what Oughta-Pilots are. But do you know where they hang out? Just when you think you have them handled, one will sneak up and smack you in the face!
Oughta-PilotsTM live in the becauses of your life.
It’s human nature to look for reasons: reasons something did or did not happen, reasons why someone said something, reasons why you haven’t found your dream. Then you create a “because”.
“I’m still in this dead-end job because I need the security of a paycheck.”
“I have to be the best in my class because I need to get into a good college.”
“I have to stay with my husband/wife, we have children.”
Any of these sound familiar? They all have a because and they’re all Oughta-Pilots.
There is a difference between choice and decision. It may be semantics to some, but to those who get it, it’s huge. When you’re being reasonable, that is, having reasons for selecting one alternative over another, you’re making a decision. When you choose, you simply choose because you can. No reasons are necessary. Only decisions need justification.
I think we’ve all become masters at justification, just as we’ve become convinced we need to learn superior decision-making tools. How many workshops have you seen advertised lately offering to teach you the ins and outs of the process? Do you REALLY need to learn new ways to justify your actions?
DYOP Live in July – Portland, OR
I’m holding my first live Disconnect Your Oughta-PilotTM workshop this July in Portland, Oregon. There’s a free preview call on June 16 at 1pm pst. Register here if you’d like to experience a sample of what we’ll cover. I guarantee at the very least it will be one of the more fun hours of your week.
See you there!
Life Coaches, Portland, OR
Well said! I know going through your DYOP Workshop was life changing for me. I’ve never had such fun and made so much progress getting rid of the stuff others told me I “ought” to do!
Thank you thank you! Keep up the good work.
Oughta pilots. What a great play on words! It amazes me as I observe my thoughts how many times the word should is in my mental vocabulary. Of course then, it comes out of my mouth too. I want what I do to come from a place of choice when possible, not from a place of some programmed oughta. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for your comment. I’ve been using the term now since 2002. I’ve even built my practice around the Disconnect Your Oughta-Pilot(tm) workshop! Conscious languaging or being in charge of how your words create your reality is a big part. So many times our subconscious is the ringmaster in the circus of our lives and we need to reclaim our center spot!