It all begins with how you think about yourself. For years I’ve told my readers and those who’ve attended my lectures: “You are number one, numero uno, the most important person in the world. Remember that as number one you’re the cream of the crop, and the cream always rises to the top. But you can’t be number one if you don’t like yourself. Act as if you’re number one and you will be! There is only one you. You are an original in the fullest sense of the word. And now that you know it, your job is to reinforce that fact in your conscious and subconscious mind every day
Once that conviction is firmly established in your mind, you’re ready to take the steps that help you reach the top in your chosen profession, whatever it may be. You not only take them, but master them. And you have a great time, a rewarding time, doing so. You can be first, just remember that you are first among equals.
Picture yourself as being successful in each task and mentally wipe out any thoughts of failure. Have faith in yourself and believe that good is going to come your way. Don’t fill your head with discouragement; think of yourself as a strong loving, and helpful person who is in control.
Put out of your mind the fears, weaknesses and confidence destroying thoughts of a week ago, a month ago, a year ago. Today is the day you must decide you’ll let your mind—faith—control your body. Today is the day you banish fear forever. But, you ask, how?
Believe in yourself. Self-confidence starts with belief in yourself. Remember those seven powerful words: You can if you think you can. Repeat them aloud. Let them soak into your system. Then, do this: Add just two more words below them—and these are from my own experience—I will. You will if you think you will.
- Associate with confident people. Stay away from negative, fearful people. I made it a rule to associate only with those who did not fear the future and were self confident. By doing so I reinforced my own self confidence. Remember, confidence breeds confidence.
- Tune up your confidence machine. Confidence is the muscle that lets you tackle risk-taking and win. Muscles need to be developed through exercise or working out. Your confidence muscle—your self assurance can be developed and it begins with believing in yourself.
- Be the master of your ship. Henry Ford said that all confident people gained their courage by facing their fears instead of running away from them. You must learn to do the same. Face your self doubts squarely and say, “Am I bigger than they are or are they bigger than I?” Be the captain of your ship.
- Keep busy. In a busy person fear and self doubt can find little room to dwell.
Just as plants need fertilizing, so does your mind. Put negative thoughts; envy, jealousy, greed and hate out of your life. Give yourself a pat on the back at least once every day. And remember, the number one rule is to have faith in yourself the greatest product in the world, an individual who has no counter part anywhere!
