Rewriting the Life Scripts That Shape—and Sabotage—You with Dr Anna Colton

What if the way you see yourself; your worth, your relationships, your fears, even your achievements, was being quietly directed by a story you didn’t even write?

Life scripts are unconscious, childhood-rooted narratives that shape how we perceive ourselves, others, and the world. Formed through early interactions with caregivers, these internal “stories” often emerge as coping mechanisms in response to challenging circumstances. While they may have helped us navigate childhood, they can become limiting patterns in adulthood, affecting our confidence, relationships, and mental health in ways we may not even realise.

In this episode of The Happier Life Project, clinical psychologist Dr Anna Colton joins host Gabby Sanderson to explore how these invisible narratives take hold, how societal pressures like diet culture reinforce them, and how to begin rewriting the ones that no longer serve us.

With over 20 years of experience, and specialising in adolescence and eating disorders, Dr Colton has worked across the NHS; including Great Ormond Street Hospital, The Tavistock Clinic, and The Priory, and now runs a thriving private practice. She supports a diverse range of clients, from barristers and young people, to West End performers, consulting on productions such as Matilda, to help children and adults manage stage fright, perfectionism, and anxiety. Anna is also the author of ‘How To Talk To Children About Food’, a shame-free guide to improving children's relationship with food.

The conversation explores how early conditioning can lead to people-pleasing, anxiety, and low self-worth, and why genuine confidence must be rewritten and built on internal validation, rather than external approval. Dr. Colton shares practical strategies for managing performance anxiety and offers insights into using curiosity and compassion to gently rewrite long-standing inner narratives.

Join us to discover how understanding the roots of your beliefs can lead to a more genuine, kind, and self-compassionate way of living.

*This interview was recorded earlier in the year.

To download the free My Possible Self App: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcast

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To follow Dr Anna Colton on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_food_psychologist/

Dr Anna's website: https://www.dranna.co.uk/