We all have a subconscious self-image. Most of us are walking around with a pretty dismal one.
Our negative inner voice helps sculpt this self-image day in and day out, with jabs like “I’ll never be any good at this,” “I’m a procrastinator,” and “Who am I kidding—I can’t do this.”
If we think we’re the type of person who produces, creates, and performs at a high level, that’s what we’ll do.
If we don’t, we won’t.
What that means is, you’ll never outperform your inner perception of what you deserve.
If you want to raise your bar, write a new script. If you hear yourself using limiting language about yourself, change it.
“I’m working on getting a lot better at this.”
“I used to have a procrastination problem, but I’m trying hard to exceed everybody’s expectations.”
“I can do this!”
You can do this!
I have a sign on my computer that says in big white type on a green background: YOU BRILLIANT SON OF A BITCH! It's my morning devotional.
Lovely post Scott. Even a few weeks ago.
I used to Scoff at this kind of thing, although a recent course I did ( reset your medical career) with rachel beanland showed showed me making use of affirmations to actually create psychological boundaries for myself which is a concept I really like.
I also like the concept of just telling lies to myself.
"I am a devoted and nurturing father"
"I am a loving and generous husband"
"I am a world class Brazilian Jiu Jitsu player"
"I am an excellent I am a caring, precise and organised physician"
"I am an effective medical leader"
"I am an innovative businessman"
"I am a productive joke writer"
"I am an effective networker"
"I am a well rehersed performer"
"I am a sexual athelete"
(This list is in increasing order of importance)
I have found that limiting my affirmations to 3 or 4 a day or part of a day is helpful to prevent overwhelm and brain fog but the affirmations thing is only a few weeks in progress for me