In today’s episode (s01-Ep003), we take a deep dive into the hidden survival strategies and background programs that shape how we react to life’s challenges. Drawing from personal stories and real-life examples, Eamon Ray guides listeners through the process of uncovering those subconscious decisions—like perfectionism, caretaking, and people pleasing—that helped us in the past, but may now be holding us back.

This episode is all about recognizing the outdated “code” running in your mind, understanding the advantages and costs of those patterns, and taking your first steps toward rewriting your inner operating system. If you’re ready to move beyond surface-level mind hacks and consciously transform your reality, grab a notebook—Eamon Ray invites you to reflect, journal, and prepare for the next stage of your self-programming journey.

1. Overview of the Impact Formula

• Recap of previous episodes: Impact formula as a tool for inner transformation.
  
  
• Components of the I.M.P.A.C.T. trigger formula:
  
  
  • Incident/Event identification (I)
    
    
  • Meaning attached to the event (M)
    
    
  • Program/strategy that arose (P)
    
    
  • Advantage and associated cost (A)
    
    
  • Re-coding and testing new patterns
    
    

2. Deep Dive Into Programs and Survival Strategies

• Definition of “program” as a self-protection strategy or background process ("If X, then Y").
  
  
• Programs as roles/strategies developed in response to specific events or traumas.
  
  
• Examples of Common Programs:
  
  
  • The Perfectionist Program
    
    
    • Triggered by public criticism; meaning created: “I’m not good enough.”
      
      
    • Results in over-preparation, procrastination, avoidance of mistakes.
      
      
  • The Self-Sufficient Caretaker
    
    
    • Triggered by absent caregivers; meaning: “My needs don’t matter.”
      
      
    • Shows up as minimizing own needs, giving to others, difficulty asking for help.
      
      
  • The People Pleaser
    
    
    • Triggered by social rejection or exclusion; meaning: “I don’t belong.”
      
      
    • Behaviors include scanning for approval, conflict avoidance, diminished self-expression.
      
      
• Encouragement for listeners to identify their own program in relation to recurring life events.
  
  

3. Unpacking Meanings and Decisions

• Self-inquiry prompts:
  
  
  • What meaning did you assign to yourself, others, and life (e.g., “I am not good enough,” “People don’t want me”)?
    
    
  • What did you decide you must do (or not do) to survive or avoid pain?
    
    
  • How does that show up in your current behavior?
    
    
  • Writing exercises offered to explore:
    Core beliefs & decisions (“I decided that I am...”)
    Core strategies/programs adopted
    Current behavioral patterns
    
    

4. The Advantage and Cost of Running Old Programs

• Recognition that outdated programs still bring a perceived advantage
  
  
  • Examples: Safety, control, avoidance of responsibility
    
    
• Identification of corresponding costs of these programs
  
  
  • Examples: Lack of respect, inability to be authentic, missed opportunities
    
    
• Importance of understanding both sides ("advantage" and "cost") to create motivation for change