Talk yourself better

Think Self-Talk won't work on you?

Try this simple exercise and prove to yourself that positive affirmation training is a powerful tool for personal development.

Step 1 Start by evaluating your current state of mind. How are you feeling right now? Take a little time to rate your present mood on the following seven-point scale. Be as honest and objective as you can. Remember, you are doing this in the privacy of your own heart and mind.

Terrific
Really good
Fine
Average
Slightly off
really fed up
Depressed

Step 2 Now read the following sentences, one at a time, and briefly consider whether you agree or disagree with the statement right now. Don't dwell too long on any sentence, but don't hurry either. Just read them slowly and gently, and ask yourself for a few seconds, "Do I agree with this right now?" If you like, as you do the exercise, its sometimes a good idea to play some of your favourite relaxing music.

I am feeling about as usual today, neither better nor worse.
Still, I've had some special things happen today.

I can think of something beautiful about today.

Today may not be the very best day of my life, but its not bad at all.

I sometimes feel very happy.

I can recall an especially happy experience I've had.

My feelings are my own; I can create my own experience.

When I think of the people who love me, I feel a little surge of warmth.

Maybe the whole world does not admire me, but there are people who look up to me and respect me.

I have confidence in the things I do well.

Compared to some years ago, I have grown enormously.

When I have doubts, they are often a sign of strength, not weakness.

I have a strong commitment to improving myself.

Sometimes I think that I'm really a pretty good person.

Sometimes I forget how fortunate so much of my life is.

I like a lot of things about myself.

I like a lot of things about the people I care about.

I take special pleasure in a nurturing home life.

I have a promising future.

Sometimes I can clearly imagine how good things are going to be for me.

When I think of how far I've come, I feel a surge of pride and pleasure.

I have solved some difficult problems in the past, and I will no doubt do so in the future.

I am able to be self-confident, strong and loving.

I have a pervasive sense of well being.

I respect myself a lot.

Sometimes I feel joy.

There are people in my life who really know me, appreciate me and deeply love me.

I have great strength and stability.

I can see sunshine and blue skies in my future.

It's not wrong to love yourself; in fact, loving yourself makes it possible to give more love to others.

I can see a lot of doors opening up for me today and in the future.

I have some really pleasurable experiences.

Sometimes I get frustrated about the little things and forget how good things look in the big picture.
I am basically a positive, optimistic person.

I like to smile with genuine happiness.

I have a great sense of humor.

I am really a very kind and friendly person.

If the whole world were populated with people like me, world peace would be more likely.

I sometimes feel like laughing out loud with joy.

Joy is not so difficult to achieve.

Life has moments of ecstasy.

Happiness is just a state of mind.

I feel more and more in charge of my experience.

I am basically a joyous, loving person.

I am capable of a lot of fun.

I can choose my own experience.

My life is mostly joyful.

Step 3 Now, how do you feel? Once more, rate your mood on the seven-point scale below:

Terrific
Really good
Fine
Average
Slightly off
really fed up
Depressed

How does your rating on the first scale compare to the rating on the second scale? Most people notice a marked improvement in their mood. The more you were able to "get into" the sentences, the more your mood improved. Congratulations! You have just recognized your ability to create more joy through the science of self talk.

Have a fab day

Nigel xx