I recently read a book titled “The Power of Ted” by David Emerald.  In his book he describes how a person can go from victim to creator.

I have long known of the dreaded drama triangle; however, I loved the way Emerald presented the way out.  The drama triangle looks like this:

Drama Triangle:

We all find ourselves in this triangle in one of the three positions at some point in our lives.  This year in particular, you may feel victimized (the victim is the helpless one) in one way or another by the economic situation (which in this situation would be the persecutor).  The rescuer, which may seem like the “good guy”, is not because it is anything or anyone who relieves the pain but does not solve the problem.  What do you use as the “Rescuer”?…. Shop therapy, drinking, sports, talking to friends?…. All these things can be beneficial, but keep you in the “drama triangle” if they do not bring about change.

The truth of the matter is we are the only ones who can bring about change in our lives.  Although we cannot often single-handedly change the economic situation (or whatever the Persecutor is in your situation right now) we can change our reaction!  We can put ourselves in a new triangle and become the “creator” of a new future.

Empowerment Triangle:

As the Creator, you put yourself in charge of yourself and your emotions.  Theodore Roosevelt said, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are”.   Where the thoughts go, the energy will flow.

What do you want to be different this year?  Choose one thing you can do each day that will make a tremendous difference in your life.  It may be thinking positive, or getting up 15 minutes early to meditate, or turning off the computer at 6 PM.  Whatever it is, make a decision to be the Creator and owner of it.  Only you can make it happen.  Then shift the triangle from having a Persecutor and Rescuer to having a Coach and a Challenger.  The person who fills the Coach role can be a hired Coach or a person who offers support, asks powerful questions and helps you discover your own solutions.  The Challenger can be an individual or opportunities in your life that call forth learning, growth and provoke you to action.  The Coach and Challenger help make YOU creative and capable in your own right!  Zig Ziglar says, “Success is the maximum utilization of the ability you have”.

Make 2009 the year of being the Creator of your future.  An ancient Hebrew proverb says, “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he”.  Change your thoughts and you will change your life!