Puppet_linkedin_sAre you really exercising self-control or are you a puppet?
In 1967, James and Bobby Purify released a song – “I’m Your Puppet“. I would classify this song as an “oldie but goodie”. The song is about a guy who is singing to his puppeteer. Without a doubt, the singer makes it clear, the person portrayed in the song has totally loss control. He is solely under the power of his puppeteer. Check out some of the lyrics…

Pull the string and I’ll wink at you
I’m your puppet
I’ll do funny things if you want me to
I’m your puppet

Mmm, I’m yours to have and to hold
Darling, you’ve got full control of your puppet…

Mmm, treat me good and I’ll do anything
I’m just a puppet and you hold my string
I’m your puppet

Mmm, your every wish is my command
All you got to do is wiggle your little hand

What is your current level of self-control? Do you advertise what buttons to push and strings to pull to set you off course?

Recall a time when you are standing in the fork in the road. You are listening carefully because someone is whispering in your ear. Maybe it’s your inner critic, spouse or the person who is leading you. When they speak, you can feel the power of self-control leaking from your mind. You automatically collapse until the person that is holding your strings, yank you into place. The puppeteer may be a situation, place or a thing. Who or what is leading you away from your greatness, true character and potential?

Sometimes we blame people for what we think, what we say or for our actions. People generally have good intentions (at least from their perspective). Are you living by your beliefs or the beliefs of other people? If we allow the puppeteer in our lives we must reevaluate our decisions, beliefs and values. You must be confident in your own identity and what you believe.

5 points on how to stay clear of the puppeteer:

Beware of people who:

  1. Force their beliefs and opinions on you.
  2. Lack listening skills
  3. Do not like to be questioned
  4. Are threatened by change
  5. Are self-absorbed

Your affirmation for the day:

I will not be a puppet today.
I will not relinquish my power when the resistance (a puppeteer) tries to pull my strings.
I will maintain my character, avoid the puppeteer and be led by my beliefs.

“By constant self-discipline and self-control you can develop greatness of character.”
– Grenville Kleiser