A tool from therapist Phil Stutz: The most important thing, motivationally, you can teach yourself.
Edition four
String of pearls
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In the illustration, each circle or “pearl” represents an action — and, since each pearl is a similar size, each action has the same value. This means that every large or small action in your life (brushing your teeth, deciding to end a relationship) is just that: a thing to do.
You are the only person who can put the next pearl on the string. But, within each pearl is a dark spot (Stutz calls it a “turd”), which is a reminder that no effort you make will be perfect. The key is to acknowledge that and keep adding to the string anyway.
This is a matter of identity, looking at yourself in terms of the habits with which you take action. If there is a failure or a big success it doesn’t matter. Either way, you are going to keep going.
That’s it.
A tool from psychiatrist Phil Stutz, learn more of his therapeutic tools.
Stutz is a 2022 documentary film directed by Jonah Hill and is available on Netflix.
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