安妮特·科爾比/Annette Colby
Did you know that you can increase your ability to be successful by consciously choosing the right words? It's true! Let's say you're motivated, excited even, to create change in your life. You've even gone so far as to put your well-formed goals down in writing. From there, you've determined your first steps to begin the process of changing your eating habits and exercising more. You've got enormous enthusiasm and know exactly what it is you're going to do. You choose your goal for tomorrow, and then inadvertently cripple your success before you even start. You say, "I'll try."
What does "I'll try" mean? It means you've given yourself an out. Should some obstacle surface, you now have a built-in escape route that gets you off the hook. The word presupposes failure. It lacks intention and confidence. You are sowing doubt in your own mind. It says, "Alright, I'll give it a go, but I can't really see it working out."
Now observe what it feels like to say "I am". For example, "I am now committed to feeling good by honoring my decision to walk 20 minutes today." If it doesn't feel right, then you've selected a goal that is something other than your natural first step. Back up and find the action step you are ready to undertake. It doesn't matter how small and insignificant it may seem at the time. You're better off starting with something teeny-tiny and achieving success, than starting with something you already know you're not ready for. The wise Lao-Tzu once stated, "A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step." Make sure you are able to complete your first step.
Perhaps having revised your initial starting point, again notice what it feels like to say, "I am now". This phrase directs you and says that you have power and intention. It says that you believe in what you are saying and you will find a way to make it happen. You've made a commitment to yourself that you've chosen to honor. It says that you will find a way to get it done even if things get in the way. It means that even if difficulties pop up, you'll find some way to stick to your intent.