One of the greatest challenges in life is being yourself in a world that’s trying to make you someone you have not been created to be. The print and electronic media is always filled with information that is meant to make us feel less about ourselves. I dare say that even words we hear from people as well as even sermons are also chiefly responsible for mental constraints we put on ourselves. These words do poison minds and has since shaped who many have become as a person, much like weather does to a rock over a time.

“In the province of the mind, what one believes to be true either is true or becomes true.” John Lilly

Some words have only become ‘true’ only because you believe them to be. It is time you realize that if you keep doing what you’re doing, you’ll keep getting what you’re getting. The Bible in Proverbs 4:23 encourage us to guard our heart, for everything we do flows from it. You are better than you think. You can improve within yourself and, among many negative things, stop saying these three things to yourself:

1. People say I’m not good enough and can never amount to anything.

No doubt people have played roles in our lives. Many did hurt you; others tested or used you and some brought out the best in you. However, never undervalue who you are and what you’re capable of. Yes someone will always look better, someone will always be smarter, younger, faster, and do things better, but they will never be you.  Giving power to poor self-esteem steals your personal power and leaves you with no motivation. Follow your passion and start doing things that matters to you.

2. I give up because I have failed several times.

Every success has a trail of failures behind it, and every failure is leading towards success. Don’t be afraid to try something new for fear you may fail.  Keep putting one foot in front of the other, and you will one day look back and realize you’ve climbed higher than you ever thought you could. Two scriptures that have always encouraged me to try again and again whenever I fail are Philippians 4:13 which say “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”, and Mathew 19:26 which says “…with God all things are possible.” I also ask God for the wisdom to not repeat past mistakes.

3. My past is horrible

Don’t let your past steal your present because it is not good for your future. Your past does not determine who you are. It has actually helped prepare you for who you are capable of becoming.  You cannot change what you are unwilling to confront. Success starts from doing something about somethings that are blocking your path to success.

“People make true what they love than believing what is true” Dr David Anderson

It’s natural for any human to say one if not all of these once in a while, maybe even as often as every day. However, it is great to understand that emotional discomfort in life, when accepted, tends to be a belief that influences one’s future or life. Start believing who God says you are or who you can be. Make a list of what you need now and what you need to leave behind.