Say it, believe it, become it!

I’ve attended, listened to and read all kinds of self development and motivational seminars, tapes and books.  Almost every one has something about self talk.  What we say to ourselves is what we believe and what we will become – or what we are.  Easy concept!

Taking an easy concept like self talk and using it to personal advantage can be difficult.  The reason is our thoughts are routed in habits.  Most of my behavior is routed in habits.  Habits are great – they save so much time and energy.  Habits can also keep me from trying new things, thinking new thoughts and getting out of my comfort zone.

Play with the following experiments and see what might come up for you.  Suggestion:  Pick one experiment to play with for an hour, a few days or a week – doing these all at once won’t work.

Experiment #1:  Friends & family.  Listen to someone who you’re around a lot.  Really concentrate and keep track of how many times that person has a negative reference.  Make a tick mark whenever you hear “n’t” – for example:  can’t, won’t, shouldn’t, etc.  Be aware if they are complaining – particularly about things they could do something about.

Tip:  You’re more likely to take on the characteristics of those around you.  Think about what would happen if the people around you were positive and motivating you to become even better than you already are.

Experiment #2:  The morning mirror.  Once you’re finished getting ready in the morning – look yourself straight in the eye.  Smile your biggest smile.  Say out loud to yourself something like – FANTASTIC or GO GET ‘EM or YOU LOOK GREAT.  Be positive, supportive and motivating.

Experiment #3:  Inside your head.  When you hear yourself explaining to yourself why you can’t do something or talking yourself out of something – STOP, take a breath and make a choice.  Ask yourself “If I could do…. what would I need to do to accomplish this?”

Experiment #4:  Word replacement.  Replace the words on the left with the words on the right:

I can’t                                                          I can
I shouldn’t                                                 I want to
I won’t                                                        I will
Complain                                                  Solve/Solution
Things never go my way                        Things always go my way
I have no choice                                       I always have a choice
I have to                                                    I want to

Make up your own replacement words.

Experiment #5:  Dream.  Take a few moments to write down your answers to this question:

You have:

• All the money you need
• Your dream home
• Great health
• The perfect fitness level
• A family that you enjoy being with all the time
• All your friends unconditionally supportive 100% of the time
• Everything you could ever dream of

What will you do now that nothing is holding you back?

Tip:  Once you’ve written down your answers, pick one element you could change, just a little bit, and start the change.

Do you have any experiments that have worked for you?  What do you do to allow yourself to listen to yourself?  What are you saying?  Please share your comments below.

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