The Power of Self-Talk

My undergraduate program was in Organizational Communications, which explains my need to express myself.  During one of my degree courses, we were challenged to engage in the power of self-talk.  My professor encouraged us to walk around for a period of two weeks and speak of future goals as if they were happening today. 

I was very committed to the challenge and engaged whole-heartedly.  When people asked me how I was doing, I would reply, "Wonderful!  Next year, I am going to live in Australia."  I did this until the day my mentor professor asked me, "How will you pay for it?"  I immediately followed up with the comment, "I don't know, but I know the universe will make it happen."  

Fast forward a year and I'm a finalist for the Cultural Ambassadorial Scholarship with Rotary International.  I was granted one of five spots granted out of 2,000 applicants.  It was meant to be. 

We all have dialogue that runs around in our mind that holds us back. 

• I'm not good enough for that job, so why apply?
• He can't possibly like me, because I'm not pretty enough.
• How can I even consider quitting my job in the middle of pandemic?
• Maybe I'll do that next year. 
• I never get anything, because I am nothing.

The messages that we say to ourselves directly impact our achievement.  Two years ago, I was offered a position that would add 20% more stress, but not 20% more pay.  I knew my power to affect change was limited.  

I looked at myself in the mirror and asked myself, "Are you brave enough to do this?"  The response was a resounding, "Yes, I know I can do this.  It may be a little scary, but you will be alright."  This is the moment that I envisioned myself as an educational consultant. 

How are you going to use self-talk to help you move forward?