Yoda, Jedi Master and Life Coach, knew what he was talking about when he told Luke “There is no try, only do.” He understood the impact of our words on our actions.
I realized this when I found myself writing a list of “I wants” in my journal. I hear “I wants” from my clients all the time. Some pretty common ones sound something like this:
I want to lose weight.
I want a successful business.
I want a fulfilling relationship.
I want balance.
The list of examples could go on and on. I’m sure you have your own personal favorites. But hold on a moment and think about what you’re really telling yourself.
Those two little words “I want” indicate a holding pattern, a hope that the desired outcome will just happen to fall into your lap. They keep you waiting. They let you off the hook. “I want” is a passive statement.
You may feel you’ve accomplished something because you voiced what you wanted. After all, you’ve indicated your desire, right? Well, not quite. What you’ve actually done is released some of the pressure you felt to take action. Too many “I wants” and you may be drifting dangerously close to victimhood.
The good news is that the cure is simple. Shift from power-draining to power-filled just by re-framing your list using “I am”. Those words require action even if it’s only acting as if the statement is already true. They are the mustard seed moving mountains.
Try re-framing some of the statements in the first list and feel the difference:
I am maintaining my health through balanced eating and exercise.
I am doing work that fulfills me.
I am creating a relationship with myself.
I am always moving toward balance.
And, as Yoda would tell you, “Don’t serve the dark side.” If your self-talk uses the power of “I am” to beat you up, it’s time to re-frame those statements as well.
One caveat – your “I am” statement must contain a grain of truth or your brain knows that you’re trying to pull a fast one. Your brain can’t adjust to going from 0 to 200 mph in 12 seconds. You’ll feel a tap on your shoulder as Doubt takes a seat, waiting to grab the wheel. His cousin, Discouragement is probably in the back seat.
If you’re actually struggling to make ends meet, then “I am successful with all the income I need” may be too big of a stretch. Stretch, yes, but build possibility into your words. Try something like “I am growing a successful business”. Your brain can get behind that and says “Yup. I’ll buy that.”
Now you can go into action, knowing that the bigger statement waits ahead of you as you grow into your power.
Yoda would be proud of you.
Aprille Janes is a certified life coach, author, inspirational speaker and a champion of women who long to live the life they were meant for! She teaches that the best way to reclaim that Bolder Woman inside of each of us is by connecting to our irresistible core of passion. Download her free Ebook – Passion, Purpose and Values – at http://www.aprillejanes.com . It’s a great place to start your own journey.
Article Source: Yoda and the Power of Self-Talk
