This week is all about eliminating phrases like:

1. I can’t…
2. I must…
3. If only…
4. I have to do that…
5. They won’t allow that…
6. That’s just the way I am.
7. There’s nothing I can do.

These are all reactive phrases, and they don’t belong in the vocabulary of a person who wants to be successful. This is the vocabulary of a person who believes life just happens to them, and that they are powerless at the steering wheel. Well, guess what. Eliminate these words from your conversations with others and yourself, and your “I can do this” muscles will gradually strengthen until…. You can actually do what you previously thought was impossible. Belief is the first step to everything.

I watched a short youtube video that really cleared this up for me this week.

Click on the photo to watch Arthur Boorman’s Incredible Transformation.

There is so much that we can learn from this video. Mainly, that you should never give up on your dream. If Arthur’s story teaches you anything, hopefully it is that if you sincerely give something your all, get up every time you fall, and celebrate every time you succeed: there is no possible way you can fail. In recent memory, there are so many times I’ve used reactive phrases. I’ve said things like: “My voice isn’t strong enough to do that.” “I haven’t worked hard enough to have that job.” “I don’t have any self-control.” “I’m always tired, and that’s just the way I am.” Mind you, these aren’t all phrases I’ve said out loud, most of them are put downs I’ve only said to myself – but that’s even worse.We don’t just communicate with others, we communicate with ourselves constantly throughout the day. I am always editing my thoughts, questioning my talent and aspirations, and reminding myself of my limitations – but this is going to change.

With daily meditations, I can feel the stone  (anger/resentment) slowly beginning to chip away.  The next step is to let go of this reactive talk, especially my reactive self-talk. I’ve been preparing all week for my voice over class tomorrow, and have prepared 24 different stock characters to present to the class. Alone in my living room I have been able to fool around and be silly. The question is, will I be able to maintain that same amount of fun and uninhibited play when I am in front of my classmates tomorrow. My challenge is to maintain the same amount of confidence I am feeling now, and unapologetically present to my class my hard word. Behave as the person you want to be, and you will become that person. Let’s put this theory to the test.