It is our attitude, thoughts and self talk that affects whether we achieve our desired goals or not.
Sometimes we unknowingly, or unwittingly, set ourselves up for failure because even before we begin we have previously determined the outcome.
Everyone has experienced that tiny negative voice in their head on occasion.
However, as soon as you alter the way you think about something, you can be assured of success.
To change your self-talk, start to be aware of any negativity.
The first step to dealing with negative thoughts is to bring them into your conscious awareness.
All you need to do is place a positive statement right next to any negative self talk.
Then let it go.
You don't have to totally eliminate all unproductive or negative thoughts.
It is an exercise in futility that will just make you frustrated and even more negative in the long run.
Just get into the habit of thinking more positively about situations then, eventually, you'll start to automatically feel more positively.
Using affirmations is another method of altering your self talk.
However, many people don't use them properly.
The style of the affirmation that you use is extremely important.
There are some kinds of affirmations that are very effective, while others don't work as well and some may even be detrimental.
Here are some guidelines to keep in mind when designing your affirmations.
Use positive words - At all times frame what you are going to say in a constructive way.
Instead of saying, "I won't eat junk food today" say, "I eat healthy and nutritious food that tastes great" Bear in mind that positive words support your beliefs and ideas.
On the other hand, negative words will reinforce the belief and idea that you are not able to achieve something.
Form your affirmation in the present tense -If you affirm that you are "going to" achieve something in the future, then your mind will work on keeping it there.
You don't want to be eternally "going to" accomplish something.
You want to frame it in the now, as if you've already achieved it.
For example, if you want to lose weight, don't say "I will lose weight" instead, say something like "I'm at my goal weight" Make it believable - Add something to confirm that you have already accomplished all or at least a part of your goal.
It makes it more believable to the subconscious mind.
Hence it's more likely to integrate into your existing beliefs and less likely to dismiss it.
For example, if your objective is to be more confident, say "Each day I grow more confident".