Prior programming is the collection of ideas, concepts, views, and beliefs that we use as our “operating system” in daily life. These programs come from our parents, religious institutions, schools, families, peer group, media, and society. Sometimes the programs are valid. Sometimes they are not. When the programs are not valid they definitely work against positive change.
One aspect of prior programming may be the expectation that we should be content with what we have. Do you remember an experience as a child when you wanted something, but you were told it was wrong to want it? I do. I also remember being told to consider all of the poor unfortunate people that had even less than I had. There is a lot of programming that goes on to convince us to not want more or not want something different.
Say this statement aloud. “I should be content with what I’ve got.” Rate the intensity or truth of the statement on a 0-10 scale. Remember that 10 is very intense or very true for you. Write down your rating.
Repeat the following statements while tapping on the karate chop point. “Even though I should be content with what I’ve got, I deeply and completely love and accept where I am right now. Even though I’ve obviously been taught that I should just be content with what I’ve got, I deeply and completely accept myself and all of my feelings. Even though I know I should be content with what I’ve got, I deeply and completely love and accept myself and my desire for more.”
While tapping on each of the eight tapping points, say this statement while tapping 5-9 times.
Eyebrow – “I should be content with what I’ve got.”
Side of Eye – “I should be content with what I’ve got.”
Under the Eye – “I should be content with what I’ve got.”
Nose – “I should be content with what I’ve got.”
Chin – “I should be content with what I’ve got.”
Collarbone – “I should be content with what I’ve got.”
Under the Arm – “I should be content with what I’ve got.”
Top of Head – “I should be content with what I’ve got.”
Take a deep breath and check the intensity of your original statement, “I should be content with what I’ve got.” Write down your new rating. If the rating is above a 3, continue tapping with the previous statement. Once your rating is quite low, move on to the positive tapping round below. Use a different statement at each of the eight tapping points.
Eyebrow – “I appreciate what I have now.”
Side of Eye – “It is okay to want more.”
Under the Eye – “Wanting more doesn’t mean I am unhappy.”
Nose – “It just means that I see possibilities to make things better for myself.”
Chin – “I feel gratitude for what I have right now.”
Collarbone – “I will feel gratitude if I get the things I want too.”
Under the Arm – “I choose to feel calm and relaxed about wanting other things.”
Top of Head – “I choose to love and accept myself and all of my feelings.”
Take a deep breath and let it out. Check the intensity of your original statement, “I should be content with what I’ve got.” Record your new rating.
This is only one example of how EFT can be used to address prior programming that keeps us from being all we really can be. Try using it for all of your “shoulds” and “shouldn’ts”.