Never say anything about yourself you do not want to come true.

Brian Tracy
09.15.2011

Words are powerful tools.  If used incorrectly, the can do severe harm, including causing self inflicted wounds.
Do you put yourself down?
Do you tell others you’re not good at what you do?
Do you say you’re not something?

I’ll give you an example of what I’m referring to, and bear with me as this is an illustration of my being in this field.  Being a photographer, leads me to a forum to share my work.  Of course I’m going to run into people who take pictures all the time.  How many times have I heard someone tell me:
Oh, I’m not a photographer.
or:
Oh, I can’t take a picture.

When clearly the obvious says different.  I’ve seen these people’s photos and some of these people I know who say they can’t, clearly CAN.  If they continue to downgrade themselves, saying they can’t, putting themselves down, how is that helping their self esteem?

Ya know what?  It’s NOT!  I refer back to the above quote:
Never say anything about yourself you do not want to come true.

If you say something enough times, eventually you’ll believe it.  Your words will become a self fulfilling prophecy.  Wouldn’t it be better to build yourself up?  I’m not talking about bragging.  There is a monumental difference between being pompous, smug, egotistical; and simply using words to give yourself the credit you deserve.  You don’t have to say you’re the next Ansel Adams, the next Van Gogh, the next Hemingway to make your point; but if someone pays you a compliment, you can graciously accept it and give a little background on how you took the photo, painted the picture, wrote that column, all the while giving yourself an in visible pat on the back.

I understand that sometimes it can be difficult to raise yourself up if you’ve been taught to do so is embellishing, bragging.  If you want to get ANYWHERE in this most recent incarnation, you have to learn the difference between embellishment and being good to yourself, being true to yourself.

Everyone wants to be successful in their chosen endeavors.  The first step to getting there is knowing you have the talent it takes to move forward.  If you continue to say you DON’T have the skills to get there then you certainly will NEVER get there.
Stop playing against yourself!
Start believing!
Start today!

The next time someone pays you a compliment take it and run with it.
Start today!

Be Happy!  Be Well!  Be Positive!
Blessings to you.
—
Chris