Before you can begin to change, you must believe that you can. Without this belief, change is not possible. To some of you who have continually failed to achieve your dreams, this is reality. You cannot accomplish what you are trying to do. The mountain is too tall. Losing 50 pounds, writing a book, becoming wealthy, owning a business, learning a new hobby. Whatever you have failed at, it is because you don't believe.

So how do you overcome this? Not by trying harder. Because you have tried hard. You have given it your best shot and fallen short. So, let's try something else. What can you believe about your goal? Do you believe that you can lose 10 pounds? No? How about 5? How about 1? Don't believe you can write a book? How about a chapter? How about page?

Refocus your efforts and thoughts on something you can believe, and then... and only then, will you have the possibility of achieving your dream.

 

What do you say to yourself when you're alone? Is it positive or negative. Many of you may have a habit of negative self-talk. You know the routine. When you have a minor setback, the world as you know it ends and the negative talk begins. "I'll never get married", "I can't do anything right", "I'm terrible", "I suck at everything I do"... the list is pretty big, and I'm sure you can add your own to it.

To start to believe in yourself, you're going to have to get rid of negative self-talk. You need to replace this habit with positive affirmations. I've tried placing positive notes on the mirror, refrigerator or my car dashboard. Want to have some fun? Stand in front of a mirror and say the following...

• I feel great
• I look great
• I am great
• I am so good looking!
• I feel marvelous
• I'm a winner
• I can do XXX if I put my mind to it.

Today is going to be the best day of my life.

You get the idea. Here are some books on self talk that you might find helpful:

What to Say When you Talk To Yourself

Watch What You Say When You Talk To Yourself: Vitaminds to Ponder