4:8 Principle -- Your self-image

We've been working on having an attitude of gratitude leading up to Thanksgiving. But instead of listing a lot of stuff we are grateful for, we are working on changing the thoughts that cross our minds.

If you are just joining us, the book we've been referring to is The 4:8 Principle by Tommy Newberry.

Did you know that your self-image can dictate your behavior? Knowing that places a greater importance on how we feel about ourselves. Your self-image develops from what you say to yourself and what others-particularly your parents and spouse- say to you.

Our self-image is critical because we almost always act consistently with the internal image we have of ourselves. Your thoughts have an impact on your daily life -- you get out only what you put in. Your self-image feeds your repetitive rationalizations that keep you entrenched in your current circumstances.

You may be thinking.... well, that is just great. I have been told negative things all my life. I have already been programmed to think the worst or believe the worst about me.

Here's the great news -- You CAN override past negative programming by deliberately choosing new behaviors that line up with your God-given potential,whether or not you feel like it.

That is FANTASTIC news for a few reasons:
1) There is hope that there can be change
2) You get to choose
3) It is not dependent on how you feel

Those are points worth celebrating!!

Here's the flip side  -- there is an internal voice speaking to you. You can choose to feed the beast that eats at your confidence and self worth, or you can choose to starve it so that the voice is powerless. How do you starve that negative destroyer in your subconscious? By choosing behaviors that are positive.

Examples:
Remind yourself of your true potential
Keep telling yourself the things that make you great
Refuse to let anyone tear you down with negative feedback
Keep God's written promises embedded in your mind

To experience joy to the fullest, you need to think like a world-class athlete and overidentify  with your best self, with those times when you  feel unstoppable. The next time you have a success, a victory, a mountaintop experience... tell yourself -- "WOW!  That was me!"


Today's exercise:
Make a list of your 5 strengths or positive traits -- place it somewhere you will see it in the morning and/or before you go to bed at night.