Drama: How It Zaps Creativity and Success

by: Catherine Franz

Drama occurs all around us. We don't think of ourselves as a drama queen
or king. "isn't that a movie?" isn't that a neighbor, co-worker, friend, or
in-law? For artists, drama contributes to their creative production. There
is a darker side. One we don't want to admit to. At least not easily.

We add drama in order to make life or situations more interesting.
Artists like to do this when their creativity is blocked. Drama adds fizz to
imagination. We also create drama when we're bored or need to shelter our
feelings.

Drama, thought of as a serious narrative for fiction, can also be serious
emotional muck that zaps both creativity and success. Like quicksand, we
don't know you're in it until you can't move your legs.

A friend, let’s name her Jane, phones and pulls you in with her BMW
(bitch, moan and whine). She curls your ear about life not going according
to her plan. You have just become stuck in her drama. You pat your foot and
think about what else you could be doing. The critic justifies staying with:
"She’s your friend. She listens to your BMW." Afterwards, your energy sags.

Drama is easier to see in other people, it is harder to see the muck we
create for ourselves. Here is a process that will assist your awareness and
propel you forward:

Step 1: Recognize when the drama is appearing or when it did appear. Do
you drag yourself out of bed? That’s drama. Do you moan and groan about
something? That’s drama. Our inner critic has a natural ability to ignite
drama when you don't want to do something. Did you give an excuse for
something? That’s drama. We're you late because you weren't sure you wanted
to go? Drama! Excessive emotion is drama.

Step 2: Acknowledge the event as unnecessary. When you acknowledge it as
unnecessary and you are in a dramatic moment, the shift begins.

Step 3: Identify what part, or whole, is "just" your part? Weed out the
other players. See only your part. Decide: Are you going to continue or
change it?

Step 4: Begin the transformation. Write or carefully think through what
occurred. If you see the drama unfolding before you, and it includes other
players, stop, don't continue just to save face. Once you decide to
transform it, declare it out loud three times.

Let me share with you one of my changing events...

My fought my own thoughts as I moved down the isles. "Yes, I need these?
No, I don't really need this?" Justifying with the great price. I stared at
items without seeing as my thoughts fought. "Should I or shouldn't I." At
the checkout counter, I couldn't let go of the items so the cashier could
price and bag them. Slowly I let go.

When it came time to pay, I stopped, looked at her, and explained that I
changed my mind. I apologized, slightly embarrassed. Not so surprised but
delighted from my explanation, she said thank you, she learned something to.
I said, "Me too."

I sat on the mall bench in disbelief for quite some time. It was one of
those memorable moments. One I still remember very clearly today. It took
time to process what occurred but I did see that my spending process changed
significantly. It was one of my shifts in seeing my drama.

Step 5: Make a conscious choice to let it go.

Step 6: Take action. Talk with someone about it -- a friend, clergy, or
coach. Just do it. If you prefer to write your way through the process, do
it. Process it lovingly. For when you see the drama as if it’s a television
soap opera "an out of body view" this particular drama behavior ends.

Step 7: Repeat this phrase three times: "And this has passed. I now move
forward in joy and success."

Enjoy the less dramatic you and watch your new success unfold.

Your Assignment, If You Choose To Take This On

Make a list, 1-10. Close your eyes and revisit the last 24 hours. See
where the drama occurred? What was your contribution? Was the drama getting
the kids to go to bed? Did you procrastinate on something and then create
drama to get you started? Write down even the smallest memory. Even the
appearances you're not sure of. Choose one. Start with Step 1.

(c) Copyright 2005, Catherine Franz. All rights reserved.

About The Author

Catherine Franz, is a syndicated marketing columnist, radio host,
International speaker, and master business coach.

http://www.abundancecenter.com. Also available in audio.