age is really just a number

We’ve all been told, “You are what you eat”, but what about “You are what you think?” This is another universal truth.

William James, a famous Harvard professor who is considered the father of American Psychology, stated “The greatest discovery in our generation is that human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives.”

Last month I went to a lunch seminar discussed attitudes and opportunities. This was put on by a local business coach, Lisa Harrington. I walked away from that seminar feeling that she just reinforced everything I believe in and I wanted to share these thoughts with you. 

We can tell ourselves that we can’t do something, or we can tell ourselves that anything is possible. Which one is more successful? Don’t have to think long about that answer.

The power of positive thinking it Is truly amazing whether you’re talking about business success or our athletic endeavors. You truly are what you think you are. I wish more people realized it. I try to hammer this into my teenage daughters with moderate success. Seems too easy. Your life is truly an extension of your thoughts. The power of positivity is amazing, but sadly most of us only function at a fraction of our potential and believe all of the negative self-talk that is in our head or the naysayers we are surrounded by. I never would’ve been able to finish my first marathon or my first Ironman triathlon if I had believed it was impossible. I never would’ve been able to build a successful business if I had listened to all of my colleagues tell me that I was going to starve to death going out on my own.

Negative attitudes include fear, envy, greed, conceit, criticism, suspicion, and self-pity.

Positive attitudes include confidence, love, gratefulness, humility, patience and belief!

You only get out of life what you put into it. Hoping for the best when not giving your best is hopeless. Conversely by using different words we can retrain our brains and turn our lives around. 

Choose positivity and move boldly toward your goals. Believe that you can achieve. 

You should start every day with affirmations or a gratitude journal. Both of these are very powerful and a great way to start a successful day. In a recent video, I talked about how to have a great day every day; and if you haven’t watched the video blog or read the transcript, I would recommend it. There are mind hacks and habits that really do help you launch a successful day.

The words that you use are also very powerful. There is a distinct difference between “try not to forget” and “I will remember.” We are telling our brain what to expect. Think of it as almost hypnosis, we train ourselves to behave how we think.

You should always use phrases like I can, I will, I do, I am. Lose your negative vocabulary. Never use I can’t, I’ll never, I don’t, I’m not. Why put those negative thoughts in your head?

You also truly get what you look for. If you’re always looking for the things you cannot accomplish or that are impossible; you will never succeed. The same is true when dealing with our children, family, and employees or colleagues. If you’re constantly telling people what they are doing wrong, then you’re focusing on the negative. It is much more powerful to look for the positive and cheer people on when they’re doing things right; and redirect what they’re doing wrong without the side effects of the negative energy suck.

I challenge you to look for the positive all around you and harness the amazing and powerful energy that comes with positive thinking. Be an energy source and not an energy suck! Use affirmations every day and cheer on those around you when they succeed. Silence the negative self-talk and truly believe that you can succeed in all your endeavors. 

Let me know how this works for you. It has been the most powerful habit that has facilitated my success in business and athletic competition. Comment below on your thoughts and successes.