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How to Know If You Are the Protagonist, the Villain, or the Spectator of Your Own Life

04, Mar 2025

In the story of your life, you are the central character. But are you the protagonist who takes the reins, the villain who sabotages their own path, or the spectator who watches without acting? This role is not fixed: it changes according to your decisions, your internal dialogue, and how you face challenges. However, identifying your predominant role will help you understand what drives you and what holds you back.

Life is a play where decisions, or the lack thereof, shape your destiny. Being the protagonist means leading your story. Being the villain means acting out of pain or guilt. Being the spectator means letting life pass by. And most importantly: you can change your role if you decide to rewrite your script.

How to Identify Your Role

  • Protagonist: You act, decide, and take responsibility for the consequences. You don't wait for things to happen; you create your own path. When you make mistakes, you learn and move forward.
  • Villain: You sabotage your own progress, either with destructive decisions or negative self-talk. This role often arises from pain, fear, or guilt.
  • Spectator: You live on autopilot. You let circumstances or others' decisions guide you. You feel disconnected, as if your life doesn't belong to you.

How to Become the Protagonist of Your Life Again

  • Take Responsibility: Stop blaming the past, others, or circumstances. Ask yourself: "What can I do today to change my situation?"
  • Question Your Internal Dialogue: If your mind tells you "You can't" or "You don't deserve it," ask yourself: "Is this true, or is it a belief that limits me?"
  • Make Small Decisions: Being the protagonist isn't about making grand heroic gestures but taking control in small daily choices.

If you feel your life is directionless or you keep sabotaging yourself, a therapeutic process can help you find clarity. Therapy is the space where you can discover what role you are playing and how to rewrite your story to become the true protagonist.

 

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