The Power Of Words

Our thoughts and our self talk have a huge effect on whether we achieve our goals or not. Sometimes we unknowingly, or unwittingly, set ourselves up for failure because even before we start something we have already decided on the outcome. Everyone’s experienced that little negative voice in their head at some time or another. But once you can positively alter the way you think of a situation, you are setting yourself up to succeed.

Change Your Self Talk

To change your self-talk, start to be aware of any negativity. Bringing them into conscious awareness is the first step in dealing with them effectively. All you need to do is place a positive statement right alongside any negative self talk. Then just let it go.

You don’t need to completely eliminate all unproductive or negative thoughts. It’s an exercise in futility, which will only make you frustrated and ultimately more pessimistic in the long run. Just get into the habit of thinking more positively about things and, after a while, you’ll start to automatically think more positively.

Another popular method influencing your thoughts with words is affirmations. However, many people don’t use them properly. The form of the affirmation that you use is very important. Some kinds of affirmations are highly effective, while others are less effective or may even be detrimental. Here are some tips to keep in mind while creating your affirmations.

Frame your affirmation in the present tense

If you affirm that you are “going to” achieve something in the future, then your mind will work on keeping it in the future. You don’t want to be forever “going to” achieve something. You want to frame it in the now, as if you’ve already achieved it. For example, if you want to lose weight, don’t say “I will lose weight” instead, say something like “I’m at my goal weight”

Use positive words

Always frame what you are going to say in a positive manner. Instead of saying, “I won’t eat junk food today” say, “I eat healthy and nutritious food that tastes great” Remember that positive words reinforce your thought and ideas. Conversely, negative words will reinforce the thought and idea that you cannot succeed.

Make it believable

Add something to establish that you have already completed all or at least a part of your goal. It makes it more believable to the subconscious mind. Therefore it’s more likely to integrate into your existing beliefs and less likely to dismiss it. For example, if your goal is to be more confident, say “Each day I grow more confident”.

The power to change the way you think (and therefore how your life responds to your thoughts) is in you hands. You can take control of your negative self-talk and start to think in ways that will propell you towards your goals.