Using "Self-Talk" to Fulfil New Years Resolutions
By Michael J.
Russ
There is something truly special about the coming of a New Year. Another
twelve months present the perfect opportunity to start over, transform or
change your self in some way. Regardless of what you resolve to do, be it to
improve your health, develop better relationships with friends, make a job
change or even see a part of the world you've been dreaming about,
everything is within the realm of possibility if you say so.
The important question then becomes "why do New Years resolutions go
unfulfilled?" Is it because they are too ambitious? I don't think so. At the
beginning of the year you are full of optimism, excitement and hope. The
thoughts and words you use to describe your resolutions reflect positive
tones as you say, "I can do this" or "I believe I can do it this year." You
even tell your closest friends how excited you are about what you are going
to accomplish. Then, as the days and months progress your enthusiasm fades
and you find yourself making excuses and being apologetic for not pursuing
your goals, saying things like "I just can't find the time" or by thinking
"I am just too tired today."
Has anything really happened to make your resolutions unachievable? Yes,
you're "self-talk." You simply talked yourself right out of your
resolutions. "Self-talk" is what you think and say about yourself, both in
your head and in conversations with others. In order to fully manifest your
resolutions, your "self-talk" must be completely in sync with them. A
congruency of "self-talk" and action helps you maintain the attitude, drive
and motivation to keep moving forward, even in the face of adversity and
procrastination. Here are some things you can do to get your "self-talk" on
the right path and manifest your resolutions.
Be clear about your resolutions. The quickest route to what you want is a
straight line. When you create resolutions you are unsure about, your
"self-talk" will eventually sabotage your efforts by chipping away at your
motivation and enthusiasm. Having clarity about your resolution instills
greater focus, ignites passion and enhances self-confidence. You become more
willing to design, monitor and use "self-talk" to support you every step of
the way. Choosing not to make a resolution is better than making one you
aren't willing to stand behind. With time and patience you will decide upon
and fully support changes that are perfect for you.
Become familiar with the "self-talk" you are using now. "Self-talk" is
something you use all the time. Whether it takes a positive or a negative
direction is up to you. Being alert to the kind of "self-talk" you use
allows you to discover and defy its negative nature and see that it
maintains proper alignment with what you are doing to achieve your
resolutions.
Consciously design "self-talk." Use "self-talk" that is positive and on
track by consciously designing supportive statements that begin with words
such as "I am", "I can", "I will" and "I intend." These words build
confidence, motivate and reinforce your intentions. Drop statements that
begin with "I can't", "I don't" and "I'll try" from your "self-talk"
vocabulary. In order to succeed in reaching your resolutions you must always
speak of yourself and what you are doing in a positive way, regardless of
the circumstances.
Keep your "self-talk" moving in a positive direction. Adversity is a
natural part of life. It's been said that people should be judged not by
their successes, but by how they handled their adversities. When adversity
strikes, instead of beating yourself up about what happened, respond with
positive "self-talk" that inspires you to work through it, such as "I am
strong enough to get through this and get back on track." What's important
is to keep your "self-talk" moving in a positive direction and focus on what
you can control- the way you feel, how you respond and the attitude you
maintain.
"Self-talk" is the most amazing force you have for creating the life you
envision. Words have the potential to build or destroy and influence
everything you experience. However one thing holds true, when you support
yourself in every moment, life doesn't seem so difficult. This is the power
of "self-talk."
Michael J. Russ is an avid golfer and passionate speaker. He has authored
several audio books on the mental aspects of golf, life and sales. His
titles include "Powerful Golf", "Powerful Self-Talk" and "Powerful Sales"and
his latest "Design Your Life" for young adults. For more information on
these titles please visit
http://www.powerfulliving.org.
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