My father had a tough upbringing. His father would tell him, “You’ve got to study hard. You’re not worth anything unless you study. You are as good as the knowledge you have.”
Those words were so deeply ingrained in my dad’s subconscious, they’ve shaped his entire life. He graduated from two colleges and he’s one of the most intelligent people I know.
Yet that didn’t help him become successful.
We lived a poor life. Dad couldn’t provide enough for his family. His friends would often ask him, “If you’re so smart, why are you so poor?”
Life taught my father a vital lesson: in the pursuit of success, knowledge alone isn’t enough. Now, in my father’s mind, he bought into the other words my grandfather projected into his impressionable mind; “I am not worthy”
Of course my grandfather had the best intentions. He wanted his son to succeed. Yet his words created a self-imposed limitation in my father’s mind.
Words have creative ability. They impact our consciousness and indeed our entire life. They can move us to action, and change and shape our lives.
If other people’s words have such an influential power on us, what could our own self-talk be doing? Most of us are oblivious to the fact that the voice inside our heads is creating the circumstances of our life.
What do you tell yourself when you make a mistake? “I am an idiot. How stupid of me!” Or “Well done for trying! I’ll have another go!” Words can frustrate and paralyse us, or they can encourage and move us into action. The choice is yours.
I encourage you to pay close attention to the voice inside your head. Think into the consequences of what it’s telling you. Choose to listen to words that improve your life. Ignore the rest.
You tend to listen to what you tell yourself.
When you wake, begin your day in gratitude. This will put you in a powerful and productive state. Oprah Winfrey once said, “The more you celebrate life, the more there is in life to celebrate.” It’s hard to argue with her logic.
Inspirational words adorn the walls of my office. They remind me of my power when I’ve lost touch with it. Statements such as; “You are creative, capable and smart!” “Trust yourself – you know more than you think you do!” “You are effective and productive with your time.” “You are successful, wealthy, happy and fulfilled!” “Think you can and you will”
It’s an incredibly simple thing to do – and it works! When I’m reminded of how much I have to be grateful for, it anchors me in my power. It brings focus whenever I’ve been distracted.
Words are powerful, so use them intelligently. You will believe what you tell yourself, so tell yourself: “Everything will work out. You’re worthy of great things. The time is now. You can be who you choose to be. You’re strong. You can do this.”
