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
Excellent blog Lance – reminds me of Phil. 4:8 “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” v.9 “Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me…..then the God of peace will be with you.
a great verse. Should have quoted it.
Great blog Lance – reminds me of Phil.4:8,9
The exact Word I needed to hear and so meditate on them. Thank You – God bless you for your right efforts
Adversity carries within it the ability for greater success (my paraphrase).
Thank you. This is the very thing I just started paying attention to, and am starting to realize. I’m just starting to repent of the lies of self talk. I am so encouraged to read this blog. Thank you and God bless you.
You say it in a way that sounds so clear and simple
TLC
Great truth and a very great reminder. God bless you Lance.
I am disappointed that you would quote Napoleon Hill in your article. You are right on about the power of our thoughts and words, but I don’t think it is wise to use his material or quote him as a source. He suggests calling on spirit guides, and did so in his quest for success secrets. As a Christian, I find it hard to reconcile his teachings with true faith in Jesus.
I like the general idea of this, but I think better questions to ask would be along the lines of “What does God say about this?” “What will bring Him glory?” “Where is the Sprit of God leading in this?” All this talk about “my best interest” and “my wants, needs, and desires” is slippery. IF I am totally abandoned to Him, my wants etc. will also be His, and that’s where we need to be. IF I am still living in my carnal self, MY wants, needs, and desires will not lead me to His perfect will in taking the Mountain He has set me on. Just my thoughts….
Its like you learn my mind! You appear to grasp so much approximately this, like you wrote
the ebook in it or something. I think that you just can do with a few % to pressure the message home a
bit, but instead of that, this is great blog.
An excellent read. I will certainly be back.