The magic of positive self talk
By Thea Shoemaker 01/07/2010
If you believe you can or you can’t, either way you’ll be right. This famous quote credited to Henry Ford and is one of my favorites. “It’s true: if you tell yourself ‘I can’t’ all the time, then you won’t.” That’s all there is to it. In fact, maybe you should just say “I won’t,” because I think that’s more fitting.
Those I know who are successful in what they do, like having a fabulously fit body, a flourishing career, or wealth and prosperity, share the same attitude. I don’t hear “I can’t” from any one of them. In fact, these are the people I like to be around most. They not only say “I can,” but they , and then do over and over again. They stay focused on the goal, work through problems … and get it done!
Having the “I can” attitude is easier than you might think, but changing your attitude won’t happen overnight. I mean, honestly, if you think about it, you may be dealing with negatives from your childhood that have led you to this attitude, and those can be difficult burdens to get rid of. Saying “I can’t” do something is very much like a bad habit.
It’s difficult to stop a habit if it’s not replaced with something positive. One way to stop saying “I can’t” or any other negative self-talk is by replacing it with positive words: “I can” or “I am.” I believe in using words that sound as though you have achieved your goal already, such as: “I am fit. I am healthy. I am a runner.” After a while, your mind believes you, and you start behaving in a more positive way.
One fun thing to do is to write positive affirmations and post them wherever you will read them most: on the bathroom mirror, in a locker, on a sticky note at your desk. Try to keep them simple and not too long. They should feel very personal and meaningful to you. In fact, don’t write too many of them. Choose one or two that fit your needs at first, then move on to something else when you accomplish that goal. It’s magical how positive self-talk works! You can also get yourself a little desk calendar that says something healthy and positive every day.
Now, an important thing to remember is that you mustn’t share your new “I can” attitude with negative people.
Negative people will sabotage your new way of thinking. They will knock it down. In fact, sometimes negative people aren’t who you think they are, and they don’t even know they are negative. It could be your mother saying, “Oh, you’re doing that again?” or “Are you sure you should do that? Isn’t it a long way?” Comments like these come from the heart but end up being hurtful to your new attitude. So be careful, and share your “I can” attitude with only worthy people who are supportive and helpful.
One more thing I must add is that have to believe with all your might that you can accomplish your goal. You’ve got to be able to see yourself looking more fit … running and playing with your kids or grandkids … living in that house you dream of. Whatever it is, you have to that you can get it! Only then will it become a reality.
But most importantly, always remember, you’re worth it! Happy New Year, everyone!
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