Only you can save yourself

Only you can SAVE yourself. It’s true. You can get help, but in the end, you are your own hero. But how does one save oneself? Start by realizing this:

What you tell yourself matters…a lot!

In fact, it was the topic of my final Toolbox Tuesday last night at the library (“Get Unblocked”). Plus, it’s the topic of today’s Baby Step…

(#tell yourself what you want to hear) Image created by Deb Plotkin

BABY STEP

When my kids were little, I wanted to instill in them the power of saving by always having a little something set aside for when they needed it most. This concept not only works for money, but for something waaaaaaaaay more valuable, too.

It also works for forming new beliefs.

Our brains need constant monitoring of our belief system if we are to build better lives for ourselves. Let’s be real, though. It would be nearly impossible to listen in on every thought in our heads and then quickly think of something better instead. Not to mention how exhausting (and mind-numbingly boring) that would be!

So, how do we get new beliefs?

We train the brain.

(#have a one-track mind) Image created by Deb Plotkin

By training the brain to have a one-track mind, we create a chain reaction of positive behavior:

• instilling new powerful language through affirmations

• aligning with a new enhanced way of thinking through peace of mind

• bringing forth new empowering emotions through connection

• triggering new purposeful actions through mindfulness

• causing new amazing opportunities through open-mindedness

• bringing about new endlessly awesome experiences through consistency

Mindset matters.

Since I love you guys so much, I am sharing with you the tool I gave my peeps last night as a way to guide your brain to a better way of thinking.

Just as you would guide a toddler away from falling down the stairs time and time again, I’ll teach you how to guide your thoughts away from falling down the rabbit hole of poor habits time and time again.

So…back to the allowance jar. My kids had it tucked away until they needed it. Plus, they added to it regularly when they were flush with cash instead of desperate for it. We’re going to do the same thing.

We’re creating an “Allowance Jar” so we can allow ourselves to feel better when those ugly thoughts of regret, guilt, shame and anxiety come creeping into our brains. And, we are saving ourselves in the process.

Just as my kids saved money for a future purchase, you’ll be saving words of wisdom for a future meltdown. You already know dark days have a way of popping up at the most inconvenient time, so why not prepare for them in advance?

Here’s today’s Baby Step tool to help you prep…

1. Find an empty, clean jar (beware its former contents because you’ll be sniffing that after-smell for a long, long time!).

2. We are filling this jar with NEW BELIEFS so write down some inspirational affirmations on paper and cut them into strips. You can use the affirmation strips I wrote for the workshop by downloading them HERE.

3. Fold them up and fill the jar with these strips.

4. Keep the jar handy for when your brain attempts to disempower you and/or challenges you to give up on whatever big changes you’re currently making in your life.

5. Add new affirmations as you overcome obstacles to inspire you for next time (Remember: there will always be a next time no matter how far you’ve come).

PRO TIP: Do NOT add anything to the jar when you are feeling low.

BONUS IDEA: Track your progress and give thanks for the improvements you’ve made.

So, as you Baby Step your way through this new phase of your life, remember this...​

Use your allowance to fund your self worth.