This, my friends, is called positive self-talk. Knowing what you want, speaking as if it were already achieved, and then watching it come true. When I was about 13 years old, my dad said 6 words to me that would change my life. He said, "You become what you think about." At first I thought, "What a joke! How could thoughts, electrical and chemical impulses in your brain, have anything to do with who I become as a person? If that were true, I would have turned into a New Kid on the Block a long time ago!" Remember, I was 13. Nevertheless, those powerful 6 words were the precipice to changing my life forever. I know I wouldn't be who I am today without daily reminders of this little known fact.
Growing up, I learned that my brain was like a computer. Garbage in, garbage out. If I made a B or C on a math test and said repeatedly, "I suck at math!", my brain would eventually believe it and math would surely be the death of me. But instead, I listened to self-talk CD's on making good grades, graduated high school at the age of 16, entered college and made A's and B's in college algebra. I might not have been born with the analytical side of my brain as strong as the creative side, but I changed that! All by saying a simple phrase to myself every day before school, "I enjoy math. It's easy for me and I can solve equations with minimal effort." Or something like that.
The trick about self-talk is the way it's done. Everything you think and say needs to be in first person. "I am beautiful" rather than looking in the mirror and saying, "You're beautiful". The brain is very literal and after hearing positive things enough times, the brain's chemical makeup and wiring actually begins to change. It yields more results than prayer, meditation and hypnotism combined. It's science, it's a proven method, and it WORKS.
I've used this technique to stop biting my finger nails, make good grades, lose weight and eat healthy, and now my goal is to use it for roller derby. For those reading who might not understand roller derby, it's tough. There are times when every skater doubts him/herself and wonders if they have what it takes to play well. But as with any other successful athlete, high achievement is only fulfilled by those with a great PMA (positive mental attitude). Take Muhammad Ali, for example. He was claiming to be a champion long before he actually ever reached that goal. I'm pretty sure his attitude accounted for about 99% of his success. When the mind is in a healthy place, the body will follow suit.
So, that's where I'm at right now. I've heard so many women put themselves down when it comes to derby. I've heard everything from, "I suck at A-frame stops" to, "I wish I could skate that fast but I'm slower than molasses". This has got to change! Our goals can never be met with this kind of stinking thinking. Now I'm on a mission. I've written a script and will record my roller derby self-talk CD this week. I want to start by giving it to my entire team, then the league, and my ultimate vision is to eventually make this available world wide. Let me rephrase that, I WILL succeed in helping change the lives of derby players everywhere. Here is a brief sample of some of the lines that will be on the CD. For any derby players reading, say these things to yourself every day and I guarantee you'll start to see a difference in your performance.
I love to play Roller Derby.
I realize that what I say about myself and others about roller derby is very important, and I will replace any negative thoughts or comments with uplifting, positives ones.
I deserve to play roller derby and I deserve all of the good things it brings into my life.
Roller derby is important for the joy and happiness it offers me in pursuit of my ultimate achievements.
I skate with purpose, determination, and strength.
I begin every practice with a clear mind and a specific plan to get the most from my time and effort. I follow my plan, and I reach my goals.
An accurate description of me would include the words: Skillful, energetic, determined, hard working, enthusiastic and highly successful.
And it's as simple as that....you're on your way :)
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