Relentless, repetitive self-talk is what changes our self-image - Denis Waitley

When I played baseball I could always tell when I was going to have a good game. Good games were always preceded by me telling myself that "I'm good", "I'm ready because I worked hard this week", or "It's going to be a baaaad day for the pitcher!".

Bad games were also indicative of my self-talk. I might say something like, "I don't feel comfortable today", "I've been struggling the last few games", or "Do my teammates believe in me?".

In the course of a day it is impossible to count the number of thoughts we have. But, you can catch a thought every once in a while and break it down to it’s very essence. We can figure out why we’re thinking it, what it’s intention is, and how to fulfill it.

When I speak to groups – especially teenagers I play a game with them called the Self-Talk exercise. The point of the game is to take our “everyday” thoughts and determine if they are empowering us or making us weak.

Are they giving us a healthy stare of mind or are they beating us down? I then ask the students to give me a list of negative thoughts that come into their heads when faced with a challenge.

Some of them say things like: "I can’t", "I don’t know", "I’m not strong enough", "I’m not smart enough", "I don't have enough money". Those thoughts are called Purpose Killers.

Then I instruct them to replace those with opposing statements that encourage them. A few examples are: " I can", "I will find a way", "I am loved", "I am good enough", "I can create a better life", and I am powerful. These are called Purpose Creators.

There was one student at Kankakee high school who said, “Derek, how about this? Let’s replace ‘Oh no’ with ‘O fo’ sho’!”

The great thing is that by the end of the talk students start to believe in themselves more. The feedback I get from their teachers is unbelievable!

They tell me, “This student didn’t think they were college material, now she wants to go.” Or, “James didn’t think he was strong enough to run for Student Government President at his college, now he’s putting a campaign together.”

All because they took the time to change their self- talk.

Always remember that like attracts like. Negative thoughts bring everything that you don’t want in your life. The Purpose Killers will unleash destructive forces that will keep you from achieving your mission.

A positive attitude will attract that which will make you happy, fulfilled, and powerful! Purpose Creators will give you hope, strength, and self-confidence. You will have optimism and the world around you will react positively.

For the past few years Derek Felton has engaged audiences all over with his philosophies on Purpose, Passion, and Attitude. Affectionately known as “Mr. Positive”, Derek has an uncanny ability to relate to a wide range of people – from skeptical teenagers to worldly adults.

Derek believes that each of us has a unique Purpose that we are responsible for discovering and nurturing. Without a clear focus of our mission we become stagnant, our decision-making falters, and our lives aren’t as fulfilling. His Passion is helping those who want to be empowered and who want to understand their potential. When you are Passionate about your Purpose your Attitude will allow you to achieve greatness!

Derek Felton
http://www.derekfelton.com