Self-Prompting by the Box

The late afternoon sun cast a warm, golden glow over Brighton Beach. The colourful beach boxes stood proudly along the shore, their vibrant hues contrasting beautifully with the azure sea. The air was filled with the scent of salty ocean spray and the distant laughter of children playing in the surf.

Dr Pete stood outside their family's cherished beach box - a bright blue hut adorned with a grey door - gazing thoughtfully at the horizon. His silver hair fluttered gently in the sea breeze, but his eyes held the keen spark of a man perpetually curious about the world.

Ethan and Brody arrived, each carrying a parcel of fish and chips from the local shop.

"Extra sauce, just the way you like it," Ethan said, handing the parcel to Dr Pete.

"Ah, you're a lifesaver," Dr Pete replied with a grin.

They settled into their deck chairs, the warm sand cushioning their feet. For a moment, they ate in comfortable silence, the only sounds being the distant chatter of beachgoers and the rhythmic lull of the ocean.

Dr Pete wiped his hands and leaned back. "You know, watching the waves always gets me thinking about the patterns in our lives - how our internal programming shapes who we are."

Brody smirked. "Careful, Dad. Last time you started talking about 'programming,' Ethan tried to debug his jump shot."

Ethan chuckled. "Hey, if I could've Ctrl+Z'd that last season, I would have."

They all laughed, their shared mirth drawing them even closer together.

Dr Pete continued, "Well, maybe it's time we revisit that concept. I've been pondering the art of self-prompting and how it influences our beliefs and actions."

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Self-prompting? Like talking to ourselves?"

"In a way," Dr Pete said. "Think of it as the internal scripts we run - our self-talk. It's like coding for the mind. Our experiences and the 'programming' we receive shape our beliefs, attitudes, feelings, actions and ultimately, our results."

Brody nodded slowly. "So, you're saying if we change our internal code, we can change the output?"

"Exactly!" Dr Pete exclaimed. "It's like training an AI model. The data you input determines the results you get."

Ethan leaned forward, intrigued. "That makes sense. Back when I was training intensively, my coach always emphasised the power of mindset. Believing I could make the shot was just as important as the physical training."

He paused, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "I remember studying Ray Allen. That bloke was a machine. He once said, 'I don't shoot trying to make it. I shoot expecting to make it.' That really resonated with me. Adopting that mindset changed how I approached the game."

Dr Pete nodded appreciatively. "Exactly. By expecting success, you're programming your mind for a positive outcome."

Ethan paused, a hint of a smile forming. "But if I could've installed some new firmware before the finals, I might've avoided that airball."

Brody grinned. "Maybe you needed a software update."

Ethan laughed. "Or at least a quick patch for my jump shot."

Dr Pete chuckled. "Speaking of mental software updates, remember when I was working with Swimming Australia before the 2020 Olympics?"

Ethan grinned. "You mean your top secret mission? We thought you were joining the Avengers."

Dr Pete laughed. "Not quite, but close. We were developing an AI model to enhance athlete performance. It analysed data to provide personalised feedback, helping swimmers adjust their techniques in real-time by educationg their coaching teams."

Brody's eyes widened. "So, the AI was essentially 'self-prompting' the athletes by prompting the coaches?"

"In a sense, yes," Dr Pete replied. "But more importantly, we taught the AI to improve itself through iterative feedback - much like how we can adjust our internal scripts."

Ethan nodded. "It's like when I review game footage. I identify mistakes, adjust my training, and perform better next time."

"Exactly," Dr Pete said. "Whether it's in sports, tech, or personal development, the cycle is the same: input, process, output, feedback, and adjust. But it's deeper than just positive thinking. It's about recognising the levels of self-talk we engage in."

Brody tilted his head. "What do you mean by levels?"

Dr Pete took a sip of his drink. "There are five levels of self-talk, sort of like system and chat prompting in LLM chatbots:

The Negative Acceptance prompt. This is where you tell yourself things like 'I can't,' or 'I'm not good enough.' It's the most harmful level because it reinforces negative beliefs."

Ethan sighed. "I've definitely been stuck there. After missing that crucial shot in the semis, all I could think was, 'I always choke under pressure.'"

Dr Pete nodded. "That's Level 1. But recognising it is the first step. Then there's:

Level 2 - Recognition of the Need to Change prompts. You start thinking, 'I should practise more,' or 'I need to improve.' It's acknowledging that change is possible."

Brody chimed in. "So, it's like when I realise my code isn't working, and I think, 'I should debug this section.'"

"Exactly," Dr Pete said. "Then we move to:

Level 3 - Decision to Change prompting. Here, you make a firm decision. You say, 'I never miss opportunities to improve,' or 'I no longer doubt myself.' It's a commitment."

Ethan nodded slowly. "I remember telling myself, 'I no longer let past mistakes define me.' It felt empowering."

"That's Level 3," Dr Pete affirmed. "Then comes:

Level 4 - The Better You. This is proactive and positive. You tell yourself, 'I am confident,' or 'I can handle pressure.' You're reprogramming your mind with positive affirmations."

Brody smiled. "In tech terms, it's like updating the code to optimise performance."

"Spot on," Dr Pete said. "Finally, there is Level 5. Universal Affirmation prompts. This level aligns with your core values and universal truths. Statements like 'I am capable of achieving great things,' or 'I contribute positively to the world.'"

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "So, it's about connecting our self-talk to a bigger picture."

"Yes," Dr Pete replied. "It reinforces a positive self-image that's in harmony with your values."

A sudden gust of wind sent a spray of sand across their feet, and a cheeky seagull swooped down, snatching a chip from Dr Pete's parcel.

"Hey!" he exclaimed, more amused than annoyed. "Cheeky bugger."

Ethan laughed. "Maybe he's running a Level 5 self talk script: 'All the chips in the universe are mine for the taking'. Maybe Brody accidentally trained the seagulls with his Animal ESP app to be invincible!"

They all chuckled.

Dr Pete shook his head, smiling. "See? Moments like this remind us not to take life too seriously. Humour can be a powerful tool for resetting our mental state."

Brody gazed out at the sea. "You know, I've been feeling stuck with a project at work. I've been telling myself, 'This problem is too complex,' or 'I don't have enough experience to solve this.' Classic Level 1 self-talk."

Dr Pete nodded. "Recognising that is important. How can you reframe it?"

Brody thought for a moment. "I need to shift to Level 3: 'I no longer doubt my abilities to tackle tough problems.' Then move to Level 4: 'I am capable of finding innovative solutions.'"

"Exactly," Dr Pete encouraged. "And what's a Level 5 affirmation for you?"

Brody smiled softly. "'I guess something long the lines of.... ummm... I contribute to advancing technology for the betterment of society.'"

Ethan stretched his legs. "I've been meaning to work on my coaching skills. Instead of thinking, 'I'm not ready to coach,' I can say, 'I am prepared and eager to guide new players.'"

Dr Pete beamed. "That's moving through the levels beautifully."

Ethan grinned. "And maybe a Level 5 for me is, 'I inspire others to achieve their best on and off the court.'"

"Brilliant! Do you remember me saying something along those lines when I coach the Dreem Team?" Dr Pete said.

Brody chuckled. "It's like creating a positive feedback loop - in both AI and life."

Ethan added, "Just like when we update software to fix bugs and improve functionality. Regular maintenance keeps everything running smoothly."

"Don't forget to clear out the old cache of negative thoughts," Brody quipped.

They all laughed again.

As the sky turned shades of purple and deep blue, the beach was quieter now, the beachgoers retreating to find dinner or head home.

Dr Pete stood up. "Shall we take a walk before we head back?"

They strolled along the shoreline, the cool water washing over their feet.

Ethan broke the silence. "You know, Dad, these talks really help. It's easy to get caught up in day-to-day stress and forget that we have the power to change our narratives."

Dr Pete smiled softly. "I'm glad to hear that. Remember, you hold the keyboard to your own minds. Code wisely."

Brody looked up at the first stars appearing in the sky. "I think I'll revisit some of my projects with a fresh perspective. Maybe the problem isn't as unsolvable as I thought."

"That's the spirit," Dr Pete said. "But remember, reprogramming our minds isn't as instantaneous as updating software or prompting an AI. It takes time and commitment to think at these positive levels. Most people give up too quickly, expecting immediate results. But with patience and persistence, you'll start to see real change over time."

They paused to watch a sailboat glide across the water, its silhouette stark against the fading light.

Ethan turned to his father. "So, when's your next secret mission with the national team?"

Dr Pete laughed. "Well, if I told you, it wouldn't be a secret, would it? But I am waiting to hear from my old friend Jessica Corones to call any day now."

Brody shook his head, grinning. "Just don't forget us when you're revolutionising other sports with AI."

"Never," Dr Pete said sincerely. "After all, my greatest achievements are right here with me."

They continued their walk, each lost in their thoughts yet connected by the shared understanding that self-prompting is a journey, not a quick fix. Unlike machines that can adjust instantly to new prompts, we humans need time to internalise new ways of thinking. It's a gradual process that unfolds over weeks, sometimes months, but the effort is well worth it.

As they reached the end of the beach, Dr Pete looked back at the trail of footprints they had left behind.

"Funny, isn't it?" he mused.

"What's that?" Ethan asked.

"How we leave traces of ourselves wherever we go," Dr Pete replied. "But the tides will wash them away, giving us a clean slate. Just like our minds - we can choose to let go of old patterns and start anew."

Brody nodded. "Here's to new beginnings and updated scripts."

"Indeed," Dr Pete agreed. "And to the art and science of self-prompting."