Let’s talk about your self-​talk. Yup, I know you talk to yourself. We all do. It’s actually really healthy if done right. But most of us don’t do it right. Do we? We are our own worst critics inside our heads. While being realistic with yourself is crucial, being too harsh is detrimental. And I want you to succeed. And I want you to service your accounts better – with confidence.

So think about the things you say to yourself throughout the day. Really listen to the under-​your-​breath voice. And then beat that Negative Nelly down! Kill ‘er with kindness! If you’re shaking your head at me and laughing me off because this sounds ridiculous, then I challenge you to just give some positive self-​talk a try. Prove me wrong. Certify me silly.

Mike Michalowicz writes about this phenomenon in the American Express Small Business Open Forum. If you “shake your head and mutter, ‘I’m so lazy’ every day, then whether or not it’s true initially, eventually it may become true. What we tell ourselves can become our reality, and the concept of an affirmation can help take that truth and leverage it in a positive way.”

And what you might not realize is how this is affecting your accounts. You always want to come across as confident, secure, composed and cheerful to your clients. But if you’re abusing yourself, they will notice.

“So here’s how affirmations work,” Michalowicz explains. “What follows is a list of statements that can help you focus your intentions on self-improvement."

“Comb through this list and find one that really resonates with you—one that can help resolve a problem you’re currently grappling with or one that may address a shortcoming you’re looking to overcome.”

“Consider repeating that affirmation first thing in the morning, several times throughout the day and last thing before you go to sleep at night. Say it and MEAN it for 30 days, and you may watch yourself make that affirmation true.”

• I am a top performer.
• I know how to help my clients.
• I attract success.
• I will retain this account.
• I can grow this account.
• I sell my ideas because I believe in my ideas.
• I attract success. I attract happiness.
• I provide business solutions every day.
• Obstacles and challenges strengthen me.
• Successful people are attracted to me.
• I find solutions.
• I am a lean, mean, goal-​achieving machine.

“You’re basically training yourself to be the change you want to see. It’s quite a ride, and when you’ve accomplished your first affirmation success, pick another and add it to your recitation. You may be surprised at the power inherent in transforming your intentions into words,” Michalowicz writes.

You ARE what you put out there. So sprinkle some successful thoughts into your universe and you’ll get success back. Treat your clients with positive vibes and affirmations and they will reward you with more business.

“If you repeat an affirmation 10 times each day, we’re talking about a minute or two out of the 1,440 minutes in every day,” Michalowicz encourages.