The way to start to see the jail you’re in is… simple reflection. Just that. Some time each day to look back on your thoughts, feelings and the ways in which you’ve behaved in the last 24 hours. Try it for a couple of weeks – half an hour every evening. Over time you’ll begin to recognise patterns. The patterns are the bars of the cell you’ve put yourself  in.

How to break free? Well to continue the analogy, you’ve got to dig. Dig deep — inside yourself — and understand when and how these patterns were set. Give yourself a chance to resolve the issues, break free from their hold over you and make your escape.

 Jeremy Rix