As you might imagine, I am a really positive person. I like to start my day, get myself going, have a cup of coffee and believe that the world is mine for the taking. I teach a class twice a week, and sometimes, while I am teaching a voice in my head says “These guys don’t like what you are saying. They think you are stupid and they aren’t listening.” Then, they will ask me questions, which shows their interest to hear what I am saying, and they comeback again next week. They DO like what I am saying, even though that silly voice in my head says otherwise.
Even though I am super positive and completely believe in my ability, I hear this voice from time to time. What should we do when that voice says something that we know isn’t true? How can we get past those thoughts that maybe they are right? We have to speak louder and tell that voice “It IS possible. I CAN do this. You shut up, and sit down, because I am busy making things happen over here.” You can say it to yourself or even out loud (if you won’t look crazy to those around you). The faster you respond the better. You have to shut the voice down right away. Nip it in the bud. The worst thing you can do is let these thoughts fester and then start to believe what they say. If you do, you fall into their trap. The trap is imaginary, and we must break way.
“But Nadav, now I am thinking about shutting down the voice, and I keep hearing it. What do I do now?
Hashem built into us an amazing limitation that is actually quite a gift. Humans can only think about one thing at a time. Right now those thoughts are filled with this crazy damaging negative voice. If it won’t go away, change your focus. Who do you know has done something amazing? Do you know someone who has stopped smoking or lost a lot of weight? Do you know someone who has overcome cancer? Whatever amazing thing is, perhaps even something that you yourself did, bring that to the forefront of your mind. If someone can do that a great thing, you can do something amazing too. It’s not magic. They were a regular person just like you, and they did something phenomenal. You too are phenomenal. (I repeat: You are phenomenal) You can also accomplish. At this point, say to yourself, “It is possible!”
The greater the accomplishment you thought of, the sillier that evil voice will sound. “If some guy can lose 350 lbs and change his life then I can finish this lap. Yes I am tired. Yes I am sore, but this guy lost 350 lbs! Why are you telling me I can’t do it? It IS possible! This lap is mine!” BOOM. Now you are making it happen.
I ride by bike a couple of mornings a week. At the beginning of my ride there is this big steep hill. I had successfully made it up the hill many times. Every single time I get to the half way point my body tells me to give up and walk the rest of the way. My response is always, “But I have done this before. I know I can do it. Why should I stop and walk? I can do it! It is possible!” With that in mind, I keep going, and I make it to the top. Yes, it is hard. Yes, burns. But I know I can do it. I know it is possible.
This works all the time. This is the way to reach success. This is your life. Push back. Never let this sad pathetic voice get you down. It truly is possible and you just need to remind yourself of this. Say it loud and say it often! It is possible.
You are phenomenal. Make it happen.