Self-talk works for some people but not for me. Looking in the mirror and saying, "I am awesome, I am awesome, I am awesome..." is a waste of time since a louder voice in my head is always shouting, "No you're not! No you're not!"
But I do like self-talk that results from something I've done. Because I've earned it, the doubting voice in my head goes silent.
Try it. I guarantee you'll feel a lot better about yourself. For the next seven days, put aside your standard to-do list and do what it takes to ensure you can say these things to yourself:
1. "I did something no one else was willing to do."
Pick one thing other people aren't willing to do. Pick something simple. Pick something small. Make the call no one will make. Help the person no one will help. Volunteer for the task everyone else avoids.
Instantly you will be a little different from the rest of the pack. But why stop? Keep going. Every day do one thing no one else is willing to do. After a week you'll be uncommon. After a month, you'll be special. After a year you'll be incredible. You won't be like anyone else.
You'll be you.
2. "That wasn't nearly as bad as I thought..."
The most paralyzing fear is fear of the unknown. (At least it is for me.) But nothing ever turns out to be as hard or as scary as you think.
Plus it's exciting to overcome a fear. You'll get that, "I can't believe I jumped out of an airplane!" rush, a feeling you may not have experienced for a long time. (And you may find that feeling is addictive, but in a good way.)
