CreateYourOwnSelfImageHere’s a little known fact: our self-image is a self-fulfilling prophecy.

What we believe about ourselves is our reality. And whether that thing that we believe is actually true or not, our actions and behaviors support the self-image that we’ve created.

Sound a little woo-woo? (Or like just plain crazy talk?)

Let’s break it down

If your self image is as someone who’s always late, you say and think things like, “I’m always late. I can’t help it. It’s just who I am.”

And you know what? It’s a sure bet that you are almost always late.

But not because you can’t help it. It’s because your self-image as someone who’s perpetually late has you practicing behaviors that make it true.

  • Like leaving for a destination without mapping out the route first.
  • Or allowing exactly zero extra minutes to get somewhere.
  • Or planning to leave on time, but then doing “one more thing” before you run out the door.

Bing Boom Bam – your self image is correct! You, my friend, are always late. (Or freeze up when you speak. Or get too nervous to ask for the business. You get it.)

But what do people who have an self-image of always being on time do? What are their behaviors?

  • They map out their route to a new destination before leaving the house.
  • They leave plenty of extra time for unexpected snafus on the way.
  • Maybe they even pack a few things to do, so that they can be productive with their time when they arrive early at a destination.

What really matters

Now for the killer question: what does self-image have to do with becoming famous in your field?

It’s this, future A-Lister…your self-image, your “I am” statements might be holding you back without your even knowing it.

And that’s kind of a big deal, at least when it comes to creating success.

Carnegie

Shocking, huh? We’ve been taught that learning more is the key to success.

The fact is, your IQ doesn’t determine your success. Other factors, like your charisma and your ability to motivate yourself outpace any advantage you might get from a few extra points on the intelligence scale.

And that’s why your self-image is so darned important to your success. 

You could be spending all of your time and energy taking one more class, inhaling another course or learning the latest technique in your industry, when working on your self-image is what packs the biggest punch. 

Make it work for you

When you are intentional about who you want to become, you’ll unconsciously change your behaviors to support that self-image. You’ll want to “live up” to your own standards.

So put your self-image to work for you. Create “I am” statements that empower and motivate you to achieve your fame-worthy goals.

Here are three super simple steps to put it into action.

1. Flip that script

Ready?

First, choose something empowering, an “I am” statement that describes the person you want to be. Here’s a fabulous one to fuel your fire:

“I can do anything I set my mind to.”

But you know that just sayin’ something don’t make it true! What your subconscious mind needs is evidence. And that’s Step 2.

2. Prove it to yourself. 

What your mind needs to start believing this new self-image are examples. Using the “I am” (or in this case, “I can” statement) “I can do anything I set my mind to,” make a list of all your accomplishments, big or small.

Start from when you were a kid, and continue through to today. You might list things like:

-Accepted into a competitive college
-Won academic scholarships
-Paid my own way through one of the most expensive public universities in the US
-Graduated in 4 years
-Got a promotion in 5 months
-Achieved a #1 position on Google
-Wrote a 250+ page book
-Spoke at National Conferences

These accomplishments or proof points are like the legs of a stool. Each one creates a sturdy support for your new self-image.

3. Make it stick

Now, practice repeating your “I am” (or “I can”) statement with your supporting evidence

“I am —– because I did —–.”

You can repeat the same reason every time, or rotate them. As always, you do you.

Your Fame Boosting Assignment

Everyday for the next 7 days, say your new “I am” statement. Say it when you wake up. When you go to sleep. Before you eat. Before a meeting.

Can you feel the shift? It’s your star rising, baby!

13 Comments

  1. Iva Ursano on February 20, 2015 at 9:03 pm

    Great post!! I’ve recently started listening to Tony Robbins and am now making “incantations” part of my morning ritual. I also do them while I’m driving. It’s totally raised my vibration and I feel empowered! Thanx for the great article!

    • Lori on April 2, 2015 at 4:48 pm

      Iva, I LOVE Tony Robbins, too. Reading Unlimited Power changed my life. What a great tip to do incantations or I am statements while you’re driving.

  2. Bonnie Copeland on February 24, 2015 at 1:50 pm

    ooooh I love the way you’re choosing to look at affirmations! The truth being that we are always using them anyway but seeing what we believe to be true. Our subconscious mind is truly powerful, and yet somewhat simple in how it believes whatever it is told – especially with some proof! Self awareness is key to it all! Beautifully explained!

    • Lori on April 2, 2015 at 4:53 pm

      Aww, thanks Bonnie! I appreciate your comments.

  3. Louise Behiel on February 27, 2015 at 1:36 pm

    it’s so helpful to be reminded that we use affirmations all the time – it’s up to us to choose what they say. thx

    • Lori on April 2, 2015 at 4:54 pm

      Oh, good point, Louise!

  4. Lilia Lee on February 28, 2015 at 10:15 am

    Wow, Lori, another powerful how-to article. I can’t wait to read them and to put them into practice. Thanks.

  5. Sarah Schwab on February 28, 2015 at 12:20 pm

    awesome! I love the quote from the Carnegie Institute. It really shows that our mindset is a HUGE factor in our success.

    • Lori on April 2, 2015 at 4:55 pm

      Right? It plays a much bigger role than we’ve been led to believe!

  6. Cindy on March 3, 2015 at 6:12 am

    Lori, very powerful post. Thoughts and beliefs count – so does the conversation you have with yourself.

    • Lori on April 2, 2015 at 7:23 pm

      Thanks for stopping by, Cindy.

  7. Dorothy Pang, Fertility Coach & Acupuncturist on March 9, 2015 at 8:51 pm

    Thanks for this very do-able assignment! I love how you also include our self image in your “treatment”. I’m a fan of treating the “whole person”!

    • Lori on April 2, 2015 at 7:28 pm

      From what I’ve read on your blog, Dorothy, it seems like Chinese medicine really is about treating the whole person. Great perspective.

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