mental-growth

We all know the feeling. The unsettled feeling you get before a big presentation to an investor, board member, or potential business partner. The dryness in your throat when facing a tough decision, the sinking heart when a setback throws a wrench in your plans. In these moments, it’s easy to crave external validation, the encouraging pats on the back and pep talks from loved ones. You will find 99% of the time no one is there right next to you to encourage you. What if the most powerful source of encouragement was already there with you 24/7 you?

That’s right, the best hype person you’ll ever have is you. Words you speak out loud are the most impactful words to your brain. Because if you say it then it must be true. The brain doesn’t think you will lie to yourself. So what it hears you say it believes to be true. For good and for worse. This is why you should always say good thing about yourself to yourself.

Here’s why self-encouragement is your secret weapon for success:

1. You Know Yourself Best so motivate yourself: Let’s be honest, even the most well-meaning friends and family can sometimes miss the mark when it comes to understanding your unique struggles and strengths. You, on the other hand, are intimately familiar with your own journey, your vulnerabilities, your strengths, and your potential. This self-awareness allows you to craft the most effective pep talks, tailored specifically to your needs. Always encourage yourself with a talk. Don’t worry, feel free to talk to yourself alone in the car and give yourself a few words of encouragement. I promise you I will not tell anyone.

2. Consistency is Key, keep encouraging yourself when things are good and bad: Life is a rollercoaster, and external sources of encouragement can be fickle. But your inner cheerleader can be there for you, every step of the way in good and bad times. By developing a practice of self-compassion and positive self-talk, you create a wellspring of motivation that’s always accessible, no matter what life throws your way. Make it a habit to say things like. “I can do that”. “I realize this is a process I can figure out”, “I got this”, “I am smart enough to figure this out”. Never stop speaking self-positive words to yourself.

3. Building Resilience: Every time you silence your inner critic and external noise and choose to believe in yourself, you build resilience. You learn to trust your judgment, bounce back from setbacks, and face challenges with newfound confidence. This self-reliance empowers you and others to navigate life’s uncertainties with grace and grit. Most of the world’s best CEOs have built amazing resilience and use that to motivate themselves and others towards success.

4. Science Says So: For those who love to have science back what they do this one is for you. It’s not just a feel-good notion; research backs up the power of self-encouragement. Studies have shown that positive self-talk can boost mood, improve performance, and even enhance physical health. So, giving yourself a pep talk isn’t just wishful thinking; it’s a scientifically proven way to thrive.

So the big question now is, how do you tap into this inner power? Here are a few tips I recommend that I have found to be extremely helpful:

• Challenge negative thoughts: When your inner critic starts to rear its ugly head, don’t just listen. Question its validity, reframe negative thoughts into positive affirmations, and remind yourself of your strengths and accomplishments.
• Visualize success: Take a moment to close your eyes and imagine yourself achieving your goals. See yourself overcoming challenges, delivering that impactful presentation, nailing that job interview. This visualization exercise can plant powerful seeds of belief in your subconscious mind. Faith is a very powerful things and this unlocks faith like no other.
• Surround yourself with positivity: Seek out supportive friends, mentors, and colleagues who believe in you and your potential. Their positive energy can be contagious, reminding you of your own worth and fueling your self-confidence.

Remember, self-encouragement is a muscle that needs to be exercised. The more you practice it, the stronger it becomes. So, the next time you’re facing a challenge, take a deep breath, silence the inner critic, and give yourself the pep talk you deserve. You’ve got this!

Anyone who knows me well knows I have one saying I always use, and I believe wholeheartedly. I always say, “It ends well.” This allows me to activate my faith and also realize that I can do this. It works for me and there is no reason why it will not work for you.

Stay blessed,

Chris Folayan

Award-Winning Author / Serial Entrepreneur / Founder