Chris Walker discusses being a “puppet,” where individuals react to external stimuli—such as the opinions, criticisms, or expectations of others—rather than acting from their intentions and purpose. He explains that this reactive behaviour is like having strings pulled by external forces, which prevents genuine autonomy and self-leadership. Chris emphasises cutting these strings by cultivating mindfulness and aligning actions with one’s vision, inspiration, and purpose. He highlights the freedom of living intentionally rather than reacting to external triggers.

PODCAST

Introduction

Good morning or good afternoon, wherever you are. This is Chris Walker down on the beach, and today, I want to talk about something that’s both sensitive and essential—being a puppet. It’s a term that might make you uncomfortable, but it’s a powerful metaphor for understanding how we can lose control over our lives, becoming reactive rather than proactive.

What Does It Mean to Be a Puppet?

When you think of a puppet, you probably imagine a wooden cross with strings attached to every joint, allowing the puppeteer to control its every movement. The puppet has no autonomy; it simply responds to the pull of the strings. Now, ask yourself—what pulls your strings? What makes you move? Is it your will and intention, or are you reacting to external forces?

Most people spend their lives in reaction mode—reacting to the news, the weather, their boss, their family, and their perceptions of themselves. This constant reaction to external stimuli turns you into a puppet, where something or someone else pulls your strings.

The Illusion of Effort and Direction

In conscious leadership, we often discuss optimising our efforts and ensuring they are directed toward what we want to manifest. However, when you are a puppet, your efforts are usually wasted. You may feel busy, even exhausted, but what are you accomplishing? Are you moving toward your goals, or are you simply spinning in circles, reacting to one thing after another?

You are not in control when your actions are driven by reaction—whether it’s to someone else’s criticism, a perceived slight, or even your own self-judgment. You’re simply responding to the strings being pulled.

Identifying and Cutting the Strings

It would be best to start identifying the strings pulling you to break free from being a puppet. For example, if you look in the mirror and think, “I’m fat,” then decide to go for a run, that thought has pulled a string. Similarly, if you wake up feeling tired and use that as an excuse to skip a workout, tiredness has pulled a string. These reactions are not decisions made from a place of intention but rather from external or internal triggers.

To regain control, you must begin cutting these strings. This means questioning your automatic responses to various stimuli and deciding whether they serve your higher purpose. Are you reacting out of fear, anger, or guilt? Or are you acting from a place of vision, inspiration, and purpose?

Moving Beyond Reaction to Action

In conscious leadership, the goal is to move beyond reaction and into action. This means living where you determine your actions based on your vision, inspiration, and purpose (VIP) rather than allowing external forces to dictate your behaviour. Once you establish a transparent VIP, you are no longer a puppet—you become the master of your destiny.

But it doesn’t stop there. Beyond establishing your VIP, you must also operate mindfully, ensuring that every effort you put in is rewarded with a result. This is where the concept of acting, not reacting, becomes crucial. When you act with intention and mindfulness, your efforts yield tangible results, and you are no longer wasting energy on reactions that lead nowhere.

The Importance of Self-Management

Becoming free from being a puppet requires rigorous self-management. It would be best to control your emotions, thoughts, and reactions. Ask yourself: Can I manage my feelings and operate from a place of intention? Can I ensure my actions are not just reactions to someone else’s expectations or criticisms?

Living as a puppet means you are constantly at the mercy of others—your boss, family, and peers. However, true freedom comes from self-management and the ability to operate independently of external validation or manipulation.

Conclusion: The Power of Freedom

None of us want to admit that we’re puppets, but acknowledging it is the first step to reclaiming our autonomy. It’s taken me years to break free from the strings that once controlled me fully. It’s meant making difficult choices, including distancing myself from relationships that were pulling me in directions I didn’t want to go. But the freedom from living in tune with your true self, following your dreams, and acting from a place of purpose is worth every challenge.

So, next time you find yourself exhausted, overworked, or reacting to someone else’s criticism, ask yourself—what string is being pulled? What do you truly want? And how can you act, rather than react, to create the life you desire?

With that and the sound of the beautiful waves in the background, I’m off for a swim. Have a great day!

Chris Walker