The Maybe Man’s Big Adventure
Once upon a time, in a town called Perhapsville, there lived a peculiar fellow known as the Maybe Man. He was a friendly chap, but oh boy, was he indecisive!
The Maybe Man never knew quite what he wanted. When asked his favourite colour, he'd say, "Um, maybe blue... or red... or possibly green?" When choosing an ice cream flavour, he'd mumble, "Chocolate? Or vanilla? Or perhaps strawberry?"
One day, the Maybe Man decided (well, sort of) to visit the famous Wonderland Park. He'd heard it was amazing, but he wasn't sure if he'd like it. As he approached the park entrance, he saw a big, colourful map.
"Wow," he thought, "this park is huge! How will I find my way around?"
He looked closer at the map and noticed a little arrow that said, "You are here." But the Maybe Man, being his usual uncertain self, thought, "Am I really here? Or maybe a little to the left? Or possibly to the right?"
As he wandered into the park, the Maybe Man couldn't decide which attractions to visit. He walked in circles, unsure of where to go or what to do. He passed by the Giggle Gardens, the Topsy-Turvy Tower, and the Silly Slides, but couldn't make up his mind about any of them.
Soon, the Maybe Man found himself lost and confused. He couldn't enjoy the park because he was too busy second-guessing himself. As the sun began to set, he realized he hadn't gone on a single ride or had any fun at all!
Feeling a bit sad, the Maybe Man sat down on a bench. A friendly parkkeeper noticed him and came over.
"Hello there!" said the keeper. "Did you enjoy your day at Wonderland Park?"
The Maybe Man sighed. "Well, maybe... I'm not sure... possibly?"
The keeper smiled kindly. "It sounds like you're having trouble deciding. You know, sometimes the best adventures happen when we make clear choices. Why don't you tell me one thing you definitely want to do before the park closes?"
The Maybe Man thought hard. For the first time that day, he made a decision. "I want to ride the Topsy-Turvy Tower!" he said firmly.
"Excellent choice!" the keeper exclaimed. "Let's go there right now!"
As they walked to the tower, the Maybe Man felt a strange new feeling. He felt excited and sure about something for the first time in a long while.
After a thrilling ride on the Topsy-Turvy Tower, the Maybe Man couldn't stop grinning. "That was definitely, absolutely, 100% fun!" he shouted.
From that day on, the Maybe Man started practising making clear decisions. He discovered that when he was specific about what he wanted, he could have all sorts of amazing adventures. He still visited Wonderland Park often, but now he always knew exactly where he was on the map and what he wanted to do next.
And so, the Maybe Man became the Definitely Man, and he lived happily, and decisively ever after!
The tale of the Maybe Man illustrates how uncertainty and indecision can prevent someone from fully experiencing life and solving problems. The Maybe Man is a pattern of chronicity in human thinking and behaviour that leaks into our world through language. Do you use these words frequently? Especially when referring to your own experiences?
Maybe
Perhaps
Might
Could be
I don’t know
Whatever you want
I don’t mind
Perchance
If you want
If you think so
You choose
I’m not sure
Could be (this or could be that)
Like (instead of is)
Possibly
Ummmmm
There are more variations to the above list, I wonder if you can add to it - if you find it easy to relate to this list then are you subject to the Maybe Man Phenomenan?
The story uses the analogy of the park map to show how important it is to know where you stand and what you want. It demonstrates how being indecisive can take away from your enjoyment of life and that being specific about one's desires and problems can lead to more confidence, self-assuredness and better problem-solving.
If you want to feel more confident - catch yourself using these words and change them. Be decisive and take back control of your confidence.
The 5 Patterns of Chronicity are an integral part of Andrew Austin’s Integral Eye Movement Therapy.
