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."
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