One of the most powerful factors in personal transformation is SELF TALK! If, as the Bible states, you are “transformed by the renewing of your mind,” how you think and what you say to yourself have to both be top factors in your transformation.
So where do we begin?
First, we need AWARENESS! The mischief regarding self talk is that it is so constant we seldom are aware we are doing it. You won't always catch it, but you can be aware of how it makes you feel. Your emotions are wired to your thoughts – they are linked into a cause and effect sequence. As Paul wrote to the Romans: “The mind that is set on the flesh is death, but the mind that is set on the Spirit is life and peace.”
So here are 5 steps that you can use:
1. When in an extreme negative state of feeling, ask…”What am I saying to myself right now?” Get clear on the thought or belief that you hold about yourself, others, or the situation in mind.
2. Ask – “Can I be absolutely certain that what I believe is true? How do I know?” Does what you are thinking actually line up with the Word of God? If not, what should you change? Again, if it’s the truth that sets you free, it’s a lie that holds you captive. What's the lie at the root of this? Is there a subtle insinuation that “You are not enough?” or “You will not be loved?” or “You will lose something you value”? How do you know this is true?
3. Does this thought or attitude serve your ultimate best interests? Does it make you happy, calm, and fulfilled?
4. Does this attitude or belief get you more of what you want, need, and deserve? Is it taking you into your desired future, or is it leading you into circumstances that you don't want?
5. MY FAVORITE STEP…… Since we all pretty much create our own meaning for things, what could you come up with as a new meaning for this situation? What new attitude or new belief could you create that would make this an exciting and positive experience for you?
THIS last step is the practice of “Over-comers”! They work with the problem until they unearth the empowering belief that re-frames it.
As the researcher Napoleon Hill discovered, every adversity carries within it the seeds of an equivalent or GREATER benefit of SUCCESS.
Lance Wallnau
Very good stuff Lance. Take every thought captive.
Simple, but profound. Our greatest challenge is overcoming the conflict within. This battle is only won through self discipline. These five steps help to develop the discipline to overcome self defeat! Thanks!
Thanks Paul. It’s easier to write than to execute. Probably needs another post to cover how to support the process.
Yes, please.
oops the please was meant for the follow-up comments….
LANCE, YOU ARE AN AMAZING GIFT MY FRIEND!!!!I AM ALWAYS ENCOURAGED BY YOUR INSPIRATION MY FRIEND! MANY MORE WORLD CHANGERS ARE RAISING UP BECAUSE OF YOU MY FRIEND!!!
So grateful for the feedback.
Agree!
Thanks for the reminder I was just aware of my slipping yesterday into negative thoughts ..
Extremely helpful! I’m printing this out to refer to during the day. Thank you so much!
Thank you. This teaching is very timely for me. God bless you, Lance Wallnau!
Helpful for the left brain. Yet, the right brain will need an actual experience of Joy; otherwise, the person cannot overcome on their left brain (logic responses) alone.
“It was for the Joy set before him that Christ endured the cross”
ALWAYS, ALWAYS SUCH GOOD AND POWERFUL ADVICE, THANKS SO MUCH. Haven’t been financialy able to go to one of your meetings or conferences but I DEEPLY APPRECIATE THAT YOU WILLINGLY GIVE IN E-MAILS TO US—-WE WILL AND DO BENEFIT FROM THEM AND ONE DAY WILL BE AT ONE OF YOUR CONFERENCES . THANKS AGAIN!!!
Hang in there. One day it will come together.
Great insight! I have dealt with negative self talk for a long time. When I’m in a tense situation, the first person I blame is me!! Could it be from being raised in an alcoholic family where no one took responsibility for their own actions?! Very confusing. But thank God, our Reedemer continues to show me the way out of this destructive cycle. Thanks Lance for this teaching!! Really spoke to me!
I realize that when I am viewing myself as a solution to the problems before me, my self talk follows suit. It is when we internalize or draw a solid line between our lives and the problem that self talk goes south.