How many times have you heard the word “noâ€:

• No, you don’t qualify for that loan
• No, you didn’t get that promotion
• No, I don’t have time to meet with you

Even worse, how many times have you told yourself “noâ€:

• No, I don’t have enough experience so I won’t even bother to try
• No, I’m not smart enough to get that position
• No, I’m just not good enough

Those are the most damaging of all – the “no’s†we tell ourselves. They can limit our possibilities and squash our dreams. So how can we overcome them? How can we control them?

Well, here’s one trick that helps me:

Every time I tell myself “no,†I stop and replace that statement with something positive. For instance, if I tell myself “No, I’m not qualified for that job,†I will stop and turn that statement into something like “I know I am qualified and will do all I can to prepare for that position.†Then I’ll make a list of all the qualities I possess that will make me a success.

One of the most challenging times for me was when I first started my speaking business. I can’t begin to tell you how many people told me I was “too old†to start my own business. Many people, even some dear friends, told me that no one pays for speakers anymore and that I would fail. It was really hard to push through, but I overcame these “no’s†by replacing them with statements like:

I believe I have a powerful message that will help others who are facing challenges in their life. I believe in myself and I am NOT going to give up.

Replacing “no’s†with a positive statement will not eliminate them completely, but I guarantee that it will quiet them. Every time you see one coming your way, stop, face it, and say something good to replace it. With time, you will have all those negative thoughts, and all those “no’s,” under control.

Categories: Personal Development Positive Attitude Professional Development Professional Speaker
Tags: Overcoming Adversity, Positive Thinking, Professional Speaker