I’ve seen research suggesting that if we hear something even five times, we’ll begin to believe that it might be true. In other words, if someone repeatedly tells us something, just by sheer repetition, we begin to consider it. This can certainly get interesting when we start thinking about something like the effects of negative campaigning that politicians do, because it kind of makes you wonder what stories you might believe that actually have no basis in fact.
But aside from the negative ads we hear, there’s a considerably more dangerous source of negativity that is much, much closer to you – your own self-talk. People seem to believe whatever they repeat to themselves; and I really believe that’s true for you, too. Don’t believe me? Reflect on the type of things you constantly say to yourself. Do you tell yourself over and over how “capable” you are, and how you are willing to do whatever work is necessary to get what you want? Or do you frequently tell yourself that you’re “unlucky” and “can’t catch a break?” Whatever your thoughts are, think about them.
Be mindful of the negative things you repeatedly say to yourself. Try your best to stop filling your mind with what you cannot do, and consider instead filling it with what you can do. Repeat over and over to yourself positive thoughts about you, because you are worth everything positive you have to say. At the very least, be mindful that whatever you say to yourself repeatedly is sinking in – whether you mean for it to or not.