Ready for the best life has to offer? Excellent! Let’s do this thing.
First, why do you think you’ve settled for less so far? Because of where you were before you got here. The things you soaked up along the way—from people you respected and loved who may or may not have had your best interests at heart. (They didn’t know any better—forgive them.)
The end result? The birth of those little voices—the negative self-talk that says you’re not smart enough, hardworking enough, whatever enough. (I’ve never talked to a woman who didn’t know exactly what I meant when I said “little voices,” so I’ll just leave that here.)
If you’ve mastered those self-limiting beliefs already, then well done you. If you’re still working on your “Living Your Best Life” merit badge—let’s keep going.
How do you define “the best” when it comes to you? Not your kids, students, family, friends. You, my darling. You.
Let’s create a wanna-have list. Write a couple sentences describing your perfect dream world. Let’s take a look. Does your list include the BEST or the OK-FOR-NOW? Is it an I’ll-settle-for-this list?
- A new used car or your dream 1972 Karmann Ghia convertible?
- A day-trip to Bisbee or the Great Migration Safari in Tanzania & Kenya?
- Figuring out a new way to stretch your budget or finishing your master’s degree and getting that promotion?
You don’t have to settle for less than the best just because that’s what you’ve always had.
Each of us, and I mean each of us, creates our own lives. Regardless of what happened before, you can conjure up the life of your dreams—by believing you can do it.
We’re gonna diffuse those joy-sucking, word-bomb little voices right now with the power of affirmations.
I discovered affirmations 20 years ago, and it was life changing. I am not overstating the result. “I am a strong independent woman in charge of my own destiny”landed me smack dab in middle of the “I love my life” zone.
Here’s how you do it.
- Recognize when the voices hit. Don’t argue. Just pay attention.
- Respond with your affirmation that kicks that voice to the dust. Say it once. Say it twice. 50 times. As many times as it takes for you to picture and feel the joy—believing, with all your soul, that you have the power to change your life.
- Make steps towards your goals, never looking back. Any steps. Opening the next door that presents itself. Open all the doors until you find the right one.
Trust me, strong affirmations are all you need. The voices will get fainter and disappear until they have zero power over your righteousness.
You don’t have any affirmations yet? Color that fixed right now. Do your voices have a theme? Let’s start there. You can use an affirmation that addresses each one individually—or a one-size-fits-all plan of attack. Whichever you’d rather.
There are at least 984 websites that list five billion different affirmations. You could start there, but let’s try it another way: Build some just for you. Because if it comes from you, your heart will sing more quickly. And that, my dear, is the point.
The only rule for affirmations is to keep it positive. Meaning leave out no, not, don’t, never.
- Counter “I’m so broke I can’t afford anything” with “Miracles happen every day and financial freedom is mine.”
- Negate “You’re too lazy” with “I love my ability to focus on the task at hand to do things quickly and easily!”
- Tell “Who are you to think you could do that?” to step aside with “I am capable of doing anything I choose on my personal life journey.”
Now let’s add the secret sauce. As you remind yourself of your immeasurable talent and worth, picture and feel the end result of that affirmation.
- Waving your new PhD diploma in the air
- Watching the fam play on that fantastic backyard playground you just built
- Driving off into the sunset with your new sweetheart
The last, most important, dollop of the secret sauce is knowing that your dreams will come true. You don’t have to know how or when. Just keep the faith. Your job is to hold the vision—the universe takes care of the rest.
So, here’s where I leave you today.
Take your time and craft your personally perfect affirmations. Then use them! Apply liberally as needed. No need to worry about an overdose.
When you’ve outgrown them, upgrade—for free! New and improved dreams are yours for the making anytime.
I have complete faith in your dedication to becoming the best and happiest you. And I’m here for you. All the way.
