Greatness through talking to yourself
my old IN neighbourhood, there used to be an old man, a Mr Mhlanga, who used to always talk to himself.
AS kids, we used to think it was perhaps he drank too much from the local beerhall or he was just different. We never dared come close to listen to what he would be saying.
It was much later that I learnt talking to yourself — self-dialogue — is not reserved for people with problems and those without company.
Positive self-talk is the key to greatness. Always remember that wherever you are is an entry point to greatness. Talk to yourself about what is next. Encourage yourself. Inspire yourself to greatness.
The critical conversation with yourself is often left unheard. It is easy to engage in hours of conversation with others, discussing everything and nothing.
Frequently, we neglect the most influential dialogue we can have.
It is time to recognise the transformative power of speaking to yourself.
Verbally talk positively to yourself; these are called affirmations.
Visually create pictures of your greatness and speak to yourself about these; this is called visualisation.
Pray out loud and narrate to God about your life and how you are shaping your destiny; that is called prayer.
Keep talking to yourself and do it often. Record yourself selling yourself onto the great dreams of the future and replay these recordings often to keep yourself inspired and motivated.
The art of talking to yourself
You do not need to be mad to talk to yourself. All you need is to be madly in love with your goals and aspirations.
Greatness comes easier when you believe in the beauty of your dreams.
Self-dialogue is not a sign of delusion. It
is a pathway to greatness. It is fuel for the soul and a tonic to the mind.
When you speak to yourself, it is not just words echoing into hollow space: It is a powerful affirmation of your dreams, plans, identity and capabilities.
In talking to yourself, remind yourself who you are.
You are a winner, whatever is on the scoreboard.
You are a victor and never let any experience put you down.
You are an achiever; the results will be seen soon.
You are the embodiment of greatness and inspiration.
Mr Zig Ziglar once said: “Man was designed for accomplishment, engineered for success and endowed with the seeds of greatness.”
Go ahead and read this statement aloud: “I, state your name, was designed for accomplishment, engineered for success and endowed with the seeds of greatness.”
Banishing negative self-talk
Stop sabotaging yourself. Beware of the trap of negative self-talk.
This is often disguised as realism and others think it is humility.
In the universe of greatness, adverbs do
not compute.
Whatever you say is assumed to be what you want.
Your words create. Speak them intentionally. Reject statements like “I am not broke” or “I am not weak”.
This is the language of defeat. Instead, affirm your strengths in positive terms.
Your current circumstances might not reflect your affirmations yet.
It is only a matter of time. Just be persistent with positive self-talk and you will see your reality aligning with your words.
Your mind and your circumstances will eventually come into agreement with your words.
Words are tools that activate reality and share the creation of whatever you desire.
Align with the truth
Greatness is first seen in the mind and captured in words before it is manifested.
Go beyond mere facts and ground your self-talk in what you have embraced as your truth — that which resonates with who you are and the quality of your spirit.
Refuse to let the current reality intimidate you.
If someone deposits money into your bank account or your mobile money wallet, the fact might be that you are not physically holding the money.
However, the truth is that you have the money. This has nothing to do with your feelings.
Access what is yours. The first steps are the words you speak. Similarly, life is a buffet of possibilities. Your words are the key to unlocking these possibilities and possessing your birthright.
Speak to yourself what God says about you. Rise above the transient facts of your current reality. Establish yourself in the enduring truth of your potential and worth.
Keep speaking to your greatness.
Consistency in self-talk
Make speaking to yourself a daily ritual. Sustain the effort and the drive. Speak until belief takes root in your heart, then keep speaking until manifestation happens in your life.
Speak until your words manifest into reality. When they do, continue speaking. Greatness is birthed in the quiet, consistent conversations you have with yourself. Those who understand the secrets of greatness have mastered this art of self-dialogue.
Watch your mouth
As you engage in this transformative practice, ask yourself: “What am I telling myself right now?” Let your words reflect your faith, not your fears. Speak to yourself with the same kindness, encouragement and belief you would offer a dear friend. You are the author of your narrative, the sculptor of your destiny. Your words are the chisel, shaping the masterpiece of your life.
Words are precious things. Never underestimate the power of speaking to yourself. It is the wellspring of motivation, the catalyst for change and the guardian of your dreams.
Engage in this dialogue with purpose, passion and persistence. In the realm of greatness, self-conversation is not just an act of soliloquy. It is a strategy for victory.
◆ Milton Kamwendo is a leading international transformational and motivational speaker, author, and an accomplished workshop facilitator. He is a cutting-edge strategy, team-building and organisation development facilitator and consultant. His life purpose is to inspire and promote greatness. He can be reached at: mkamwendo@gmail.com