If we wish to increase our effectiveness in meeting and exceeding our goals, it is imperative that we pay close attention to our actions AND our words. Naturally, words without focused actions are just chatter; but, it is foolish to ignore the importance of the words that we utilize. Words have enormous power and provide a clear indication of our faith, commitment, and mental/emotional state. We are either “trying” or “doing,” so, if we wish to set ourselves up for greater success, we must become acutely aware of the power at our disposal and be certain that we are using it to our benefit.

When speaking of resolutions or goals, we will often share what we are “trying” to accomplish. We might state that we are trying to get more exercise, we are trying to get more sleep, we are trying to be more loving, etc. To state that we are TRYING (albeit, true) is a demonstration of a lack of commitment and doubt in regards to our abilities to succeed. We may not be certain that we can pull it off, so we only put one toe in the water. After all, no one wants to fail, so do we really want to declare that we are going to lose 10 pounds (when we are not completely sure that we’ll be able to do it)? It is a logical approach, but largely ineffective in application.

Our ability to commit to and affirmatively declare a goal inspires momentum and results in immediate accountability. There is tremendous power in directing our faith to the belief that we will indeed succeed in our aspirations. If there is an underlying fear of failure and we allow it to take root, we are ensuring future challenges because we are creating our own roadblocks with our self-doubt and insecurity. If we really want to increase the probability of success, we must be willing to stand tall and unashamed in our declarations.

If the suggestion of this level of commitment makes you uneasy, consider the power of choice. Once you have formulated a focused strategy to reach your goal (an exercise regime, for example), watch your words. If you cannot comfortably state, “I am going to lose 10 pounds in the next year,” replace it with “I am choosing to be more conscious of my food selection and physical activity to get in better shape. As a result, I will lose weight, increase my health and feel better. I am choosing to believe that I can lose 10 pounds or more before the end of the year.” If you end up falling short of your goal, you can simply re-evaluate and make a different choice without the shame that it is often associated with the failure of not doing what we said that we were going to do.

Success or sabotage? Success requires a consciousness that is aligned with our clear intent. If we want to ensure our continued success, we must use all of the tools in our arsenal.

Is this going to be an incredible day? What is your commitment to creating a day that works for you and how are you expressing it to yourself and others?