I am a huge believer that self-talk can shape your day. If you are talking down on your abilities, chances are, you are not going to give your best. If you are providing yourself affirmations and you know you have prepared, you will do your best.
I have shared in the past, when I wake up I start the day being thankful for everything I have. I then pray for those around me who need prayers and then I ask for my own requests. My requests have changed over the years though. Most days it is a simple request that applies to almost everything – “Lord, help me today to be my best self and choose joy, find the good in all, be grateful for what I have, not wish for what I don’t, appreciate all opportunities and recognize all of today’s experiences are making me better for tomorrow.”
I would love to know your strategy if you are willing to share. What works for you?
Like you, I am a true believer that attitude, belief, and a positive outlook can shape not only your day, but your trajectory in life. Those that achieve personal, spiritual, and professional success have an inherent belief in themselves and in those around them. From the professional athlete who achieves greatness on the national stage, the entrepreneur who creates success against entrenched incumbents, or the spiritual leaders who bring unity in the face of divisiveness – all must have belief in themselves, those around them, and look at each day as an opportunity to learn, give, and achieve greatness, however it is defined. You can’t do that by talking down on your abilities and having continuous self-doubt. Surely, being honest with yourself on areas to improve and learn are part of achieving great things – the best athletes do that everyday by being self-critical, tweaking, learning, listening; and the best business leaders are continuous learners. There are those moments where you need to be your biggest cheerleader, saying to yourself – “you got this, you own this”. But that doesn’t mean you cannot also be – in the proper moment – a learner and your best “worst” critic. To me, knowing what you don’t know, being passionate about continuous learning, and always being positive about what you and others can achieve is the most important.