by Rebecca Laffar-Smith

Created on: April 18, 2007   Last Updated: April 25, 2007

I was reading a fantastic book today, "Seven Steps on the Writer's Path: The Journey from Frustration to Fulfillment" by Nancy Pickard and Lynn Lott. The book is brilliant and I recommend all writers get yourself a copy to read cover to cover and keep on your writer's shelf at home.

Anyway, one section really caught my eye and sparked my interest. It made me want to start asking everyone, "What Animal Are You?" The section describes a technique Lynn Lott uses on her psychology clients which she calls top cards. She believes there are four categories and each generates a different behavioral response in a crisis.

Firstly, pick a box, which of these would you most like to avoid?
1. Stress and Pain
2. Criticism and Ridicule
3. Rejection and Hassles
4. Meaningless and Unimportance

Don't skip ahead!

Pick one!

Go with your first instinct but make sure you've made a choice before you read on.

1. Turtle - Comfort
When faced with a challenge (fear) a turtle reacts instinctively with one of two reactions. You'll either retreat into the safety of your shell or snap at anyone who tries to help. A turtle will do whatever it takes to find the greatest comfort, even if that means dealing with an extended degree of discomfort and pushing out their boundaries to reach it.

"Real-life turtles say that when they feel stressed, they eat or procrastinate and wish others would simply empathize with them."

If you're a turtle, you probably won't 'let go' unless you get so uncomfortable with the status quo that you have to change something. The most important thing for a turtle to remember is to take everything in small steps or small bites. Things can seem large and overwhelming to a turtle and it is much easier to face challenges in bits and pieces.

Turtles should also find people in their lives who can be empathetic but who don't feel the need to 'fix things' or offer advice. "Turtles need cheerleaders, not advice columnists." A turtle can truly appreciate the sort of friend who will encourage you every step of the way or hold you back if you're going into dangerous grounds. If you are a turtle you should confide in a trusted friend who can be that cheerleader. Tell that person everything, completely come out of your shell and reveal yourself to them and ask that they simply listen and allow you to feel.

2. Eagle - Control
An eagle's automatic response to adversity is to fight. Eagles make a lot of noise and become very agitated. An often feels like they need permission to act or feel the way they

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