The image you hold of yourself determines your success or failure in every aspect of your life. What do you really think about yourself? Do you like you? Do you believe in your abilities? Are you worthwhile? Are you the person who sets and accomplishes his or her goals? Are you decisive? Where do we gain these self-value skills? They begin with our thoughts. Certainly, we are all capable of holding negative beliefs about ourselves, such as Im fat, Im helpless, I cant change, Im not good enough, Im unworthy, etc. However, these negative thoughts, repeated over and over again, simply continue to create self-fulfilling prophecies. Personal power comes from within, from a strong and healthy sense of self. WE ARE WHAT WE THINK AND SPEAK ABOUT! Only you can control or change what you think about. Recall the computer expression, Garbage in, garbage out! If you allow only negative thoughts in, your life will reflect this negative energy. You are the one person who can toss out the old garbage. Old garbage only limits you. Once youve decided to carry out the garbage, the next step is to begin creating confidence, self-esteem and success. You can do this by choosing to think about yourself in a whole new way. Heres an exercise to help with this process. Almost everyone has seen or heard about David Letterman's nightly "Top 10" lists. Well, right now youre going to take a few minutes and formulate your own "Top 20" list. Create a conscious listing of your positive traits and abilities. Or, perhaps of the positive traits you admire in others and wish to have for yourself. Of course, this is not a new idea. Numerous self-development speakers and trainers have utilized this technique. However, this exercise has stood the test of time and everyone derives benefits from participating in this exercise. Here's how it works. On a sheet of paper, make a list of 20 positive things about yourself. There's no need to rank each item in a specific order just jot them down as they come to you. If you get stuck, you may want to ask your closest friends and loved one to help you. They may see the truth about who you are more clearly than you do. POSSIBLE IDEAL QUALITIES Write your list NOW before continuing with this article. Here are some Ideal Qualities to stimulate your thoughts. Smart...Thoughtful...Intelligent...Independent
Successful...Optimistic...Focused...Objective
Compassionate...Loving...Non-judgmental
Understanding...Sensitive...Outgoing...Cheerful
Warm...Radiant...Energetic...Reflective
Affectionate...Passionate...Articulate...Expressive
Genuine...Honest...Gentle...Kind...Decisive
Vibrant...Spirited...Bright...Perceptive
Brave...Determined...Peaceful...Confident
Willing...Spiritual...Patient...Learning
Friendly...Organized...Educated...Athletic
Motivated...Punctual...Influential...Charismatic
Fearless...Persevere...Acceptance...Strength
Spontaneity...Balance.... YOUR TOP 20" LIST 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. Now that youve accomplished this exercise, ask yourself some questions. Did it take long for you to complete this list? Would it have been easier and quicker to come up with 20 things you disliked about yourself? Did you stop before reaching 20? How did you feel as you were doing this? This exercise is an excellent way to assess your current level of self-esteem. You can't realize your potential or enjoy life fully if you won't recognize your positive traits. Its time to stop battling with yourself. Success will never come from hating yourself or disowning your strengths. Stand up before yourself and declare that you are not weak. You are not inferior. You are not inadequate. These are false beliefs that must be left behind. If you filled in your list of 20 items, congratulations. If you didn't finish the list, why not go back and do it now? When your list is complete, don't throw it out. Refer to it often . . . discipline your mind to focus on your own positive qualities. |
