Confused? Feeling down? Complete this.
Here’s a simple, great way to find out more about what you really want out of life.
It’s called the sentence completion method and I found out about it when I read Nathaniel Branden’s The Psychology of Self-Esteem.
Normally I provide a synopsis of books I like so folks don’t have to go out and read the whole thing.
Not this time. This book is worth reading.
Back to the point: I don’t know who invented the method but basically what you do is start with what’s called a “sentence stem,” which normally is related to some aspect of your life you’re not too happy about or trying to get better at, and then writing 6-10 endings for that stem rapidly and without thinking too much.
The only condition on what you write is that it must grammatically complete the sentence. You must also write a minimum of 6 endings for the same stem and it shouldn’t take very long otherwise you’re thinking too much. If you get stuck and can’t think of anything Branden recommends you just make something up and keep going. The important part is doing the exercise.
Also, no editing! Just write down the 1st thing that pops into your head.
For example, write 6-10 endings for the following stems-
1) If I didn’t have to work, I’d-
2) If I had more time-
3) Being happy to me means-
4) If I were running things-
What you write may surprise you.
If you decide to do what Branden calls “sentence completion programs” you start with a set of 4 or 5 sentence stems on a given topic and write endings for the same stems every day of the work week (see link below).
On the weekend you’re supposed to read over what you wrote for the week and write 6-10 endings for the following stem:
1) If any of what I wrote this week is true, it might be helpful if-
According to Branden this stem is designed to help you process what you wrote and come up with specific actions steps for improvement.
I’ve tried Branden’s method and found it very useful.
If you want to read about it from the expert himself the link below is a good place to start.
http://www.nathanielbranden.com/catalog/articles_essays/instructions.html
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1) If I didn’t have to work, I’d- Be Unemployed!
2) If I had more time- I would come visit you and all my other friends all across the USA!
3) Being happy to me means- being with my wife - wherever we are(home,traveling,etc.)and my kids too I guess.
4) If I were running things-I would give you a raise!