Everything we believe about ourselves is changeable! Thoughts have no more meaning than the meaning assigned to them. It is an astonishing realization to discover thoughts, including the critical or negative ones, are nothing more than a repetitive tape based on beliefs we formed about ourselves. It is possible, even probable, what we believe about ourselves may be an inaccurate reflection of who we are. Yet we accept these beliefs as unquestionable truth. Consider the person who creates a fit body and yet still thinks themselves fat, the stunningly beautiful super-model who considers herself imperfect, or the successful person believing themselves to be an imposter. Our beliefs are not necessarily truth, we just act as if they were.

Reading about changing our thoughts and beliefs is all well and good, and most of us have heard the value of positive thinking countless times. The trick is how do we change automatic mind chatter? Changing the way we think will not happen on its own or occur overnight. Simply listening to a lecture or tape on the value of positive thinking will not create a beautiful mind filled with only soft, inspiring, supportive thoughts. Learning about self-love will not create the feeling of self-love rushing through you. Its a great start to educate ourselves to new possibilities and to see those skills successfully modeled in other people. But for change to occur, we have to actually do the work and have the physical experiences. Much of the work is simple, although perhaps not easy. Some of the work is not simple at all. It takes desire, repeated effort and sometimes failure to create change. One of the first things which has to happen is the idea beliefs and thoughts can be changed, and then to have the desire to put energy into changing them.

The following list offers some suggestions to affirm and allow the creation of new thought patterns that support your success:

Acknowledge Your Worth

By definition, self-esteem is the overall sense of how much we value ourselves and how important we think we are. Self-esteem involves our thoughts and feelings about self and the ability to achieve in ways that are important to us . People with a strong and healthy self-esteem:

accept responsibility for their actions

are self-motivated

willing to take risks

willing to risk failure

willing to succeed

take pride in their accomplishments

seek the stimulation of worthwhile goals

take command and control of their lives

have integrity

The list of traits demonstrates the importance, in terms of personal happiness and success, of taking the time to develop a healthy self-esteem. Believing in ourselves and learning to be our own advocate takes time, persistence and dedication. One idea for increasing a sense of personal worth is to spend one to five minutes each day listing (in writing and in verbal speech) your wonderful and unique characteristics. Get out that journal or pad of paper. Look yourself in the eye in the mirror. Write and repeat statements such as these:

I am living my dream of _______________.

I am good enough.

I can have what I want.

I have the love and inner strength to lead myself through this situation.

Good things come to me.

I deserve to feel good.

I allow myself to feel joy in this moment.

I allow myself to think positive thoughts.

I have faith in who I am and who I am becoming.

I am good enough today, where I am.

I forgive others and I forgive myself.

Create a List of Reasons Why

Instead of making excuses that allow you to avoid focusing on your dream, or taking inspired action toward your dream, create compelling reasons why having what you want is important. How would your happiness and success benefit your and the world around you? As we allow ourselves happiness and success we become more loving, more empowered, more creative, more successful, healthier and more abundant. Observe how these new thoughts open up excitement and allow the energy of motivation to increase.

Yes, I Can

Use words to create a belief in yourself. Notice how what you think affects your mood and your ability to achieve success. For instance, imagine for a moment that you are a competitive athlete. You wouldnt motivate yourself by saying, Im not going to be able to do this. I should be so much better. I hate myself for being such a loser. Instead, you would create an inner dialog that was supportive and loving. Try these phrases on for size:

I can deal with this.

I dont need to be perfect. Im doing this because it brings me joy to do so.

I choose to relax and find my center.

I breathe and stay in touch with my dream and heart.

I am safe in the world.

Everything I need is already in my possession.

Let Go of Old Tapes

Become conscious of old mental tapes that no longer work. Think about what else you could say that would be loving and supportive. Its a choice. Everything in life is a choice. You could continue to choose not to challenge the old tape. Or you could choose to courageously say no to the old tape when it pops up and continue the work of reinforcing a new one. Figure out the real reason you keep the old tape. Once you find out the purpose of the old tape (it keeps you safe, it keeps you in your comfort circle, etc.), you can choose something that is more effective.

Best Case Scenario

The worst will not always occur. Recognize catastrophe thinking. Heres some wonderful advice I saw on a greeting card from the good people at Hallmark: If I had to give up one sense, it would be my sense of impending doom. Focus on problem solving and moving forward despite the presence of fear.

Choose to

Drop the words should and try and use empowering statements such as:

I choose to . . .

I now have . . .

I am able to . . .

It is my wish and choice to . . .

I am willing to . . .

I am already . . .

Believe
Believe in yourself.
Believe in your abilities.
Believe in your dream.