The Art of Persuasion (Collection)

Say It Out Loud

If you want to believe in something, you need to say it out loud. Tell yourself firmly and unequivocally how it is. “I deserve a pay raise,” or “I choose to eat healthy,” or “I am making my relationship better,” or whatever it is you want. For some reason this is more likely to be successful if you word it in the present tense, and make it positive—don’t say, “I’m not...,” but “I am....” (Don’t ask me why, but that’s what research indicates.) So find a phrase that really encapsulates what it is you want to think, and you’ll find before long that you do think it.

Whatever it is you choose to say to yourself, say it as often as you like—several times a day at least. This is one of the cornerstones of positive thinking, because you’re ...