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 - I'm fat, I'm helpless, I can't change, I'm not good enough, I'm 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 you've 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. Here's an exercise to help with this process.
Almost everyone has seen or heard about David Letterman's nightly "Top 10" lists. Well, right now you're 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.
< p>11.12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
< p>Now that you've 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. It's 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.
Copyright 2005, Dr. Annette Colby, all rights reserved.
Dr. Annette Colby, RD
Nutrition Therapist & Master Energy Healer
"Opening Creative Portals to Success"
972.985.8750
annette@annettecolby.com
For free inspirational newsletter, articles & info visit: annette@annettecolby.com
Batchtown Chicago prom limo .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareWoe is me... life has dealt me a bad hand...... Read More
Unhappy moods can be like comfortable sweaters, those old ones:... Read More
HOW YOUR OUTLOOK INFLUENCES HEALTH AND ABILITY TO CONTROL ANGERJane... Read More
"In life, if you give yourself a concession, you'd take... Read More
What I mean of course is, to appreciate life through... Read More
When someone thinks of a person with self-esteem most people... Read More
We hear a lot these days about accepting responsibility for... Read More
Can you do something for me?Tell me?Please don't think tomorrow.What?Yeah,... Read More
Do you feel that your negative thoughts are holding you... Read More
With Thanksgiving approaching, I thought it would be especially appropriate... Read More
Never Quitting Equals Success Most people who achieve fortunes in... Read More
The power of positive thoughts to affect one's experience of... Read More
As I walked my dogs recently on what "should" have... Read More
Emotions are controlled by a combination of reason and action.... Read More
At some point in our careers, we may find ourselves... Read More
Have you heard of the FABS? The FABS are quadruplets;... Read More
Are you aware of your inner dialogue? If not, you... Read More
It's time to put a bad rumor to rest right... Read More
(The following is an actual email conversation between Newton Hightower,... Read More
I just heard the story of a man who hired... Read More
Cheri decided that she wanted to grow an apple tree... Read More
Lately, I've been hearing that it's not okay to have... Read More
Many people who suffer from low self-esteem would give anything... Read More
Most of us carry on a running internal dialogue at... Read More
There was some sunshine this weekend while I was writing... Read More
shuttle from Midway Munster are ..An old Joni Mitchell song reminds us, "don't it always... Read More
What does it take to succeed? How can you move... Read More
Have you ever felt the whole world was against you?... Read More
With the beginning of a new year, are you happy... Read More
When you look at your future in terms of your... Read More
One day while in deep meditation and self analysis, a... Read More
One of my class fellows was really tensed, when asked... Read More
When you're feeling "low," or out of the flow, it's... Read More
Yea, I know........I hear you saying "that's easy for you... Read More
Everyone of us has the potential to successfully more through... Read More
"The other night I ate at a real family restaurant.... Read More
Can you really plan a life-changing experience, or do they... Read More
It really doesn't matter what your objectives are in this... Read More
There are many stories of people injuring themselves, and others,... Read More
Getting motivated is sometimes easy enough to do, at least... Read More
With the probable exception of some basic instincts ? or... Read More
When I was a young girl, my sister and I... Read More
Recently, a lady came to see me and she had... Read More
As I walked my dogs recently on what "should" have... Read More
Aging is a matter of the mind.The years may creep... Read More
Many of us allow our fear to stop us in... Read More
We all have a unique way of communicating our story,... Read More
Positive Affirmations are things we say to ourselves that build... Read More
I have studied the idea of changing thoughts to create... Read More
Why do we have such a downer on Pollyanna? After... Read More
Positive Attitude Tips |