Backstory

Approximately five months ago, I committed to practicing mantras in order to cultivate a trait I had always aspired to develop: discipline. Each morning, while preparing my coffee, I would sit on my couch and cautiously affirm to myself,

“I am a disciplined man.”

At first, I struggled to believe it. However, as the weeks progressed, my self-affirmation began to resonate with me more deeply. After about three months of consistently repeating this mantra, I noticed a shift in my mindset. Throughout my day, I would catch myself reflecting, “Wait, I wouldn’t do this because I’m disciplined.”

One day, as I was having a conversation with someone I was dating, she remarked, “Thelifeproject, you’re so disciplined.” That statement hit me hard; it dawned on me that what I repeatedly tell myself eventually echoes in the words of others.

If you affirm who you are enough, it’s only a matter of time before others start to see you that way as well. Mantras have guided me in various aspects of my life, from enhancing my discipline to adopting healthier eating habits. Initially, learning to use them effectively was a challenge, but I’ve now refined my approach into a systematic method.

The Process

To craft new mantras, I begin by asking myself one essential question: What do I want to be true in the next 90 days? I then articulate these aspirations as affirmations each morning, limiting myself to three at a time. Currently, my affirmations are:

1. You are a disciplined man.
2. You are a healthy eater.
3. You are a whole man.

Each morning, I repeat these affirmations several times. As I do so, I visualize the kind of person I aspire to become. For instance, to me, a disciplined man is someone who, despite wanting to skip the gym, says, “I don’t want to go, but I adhere to principles, not feelings.”

Similarly, a healthy eater avoids the communal donuts at work, and a whole man is someone who embraces his identity, is confident in his abilities, and is willing to express his desires while generously giving to others.

By consistently repeating and visualizing my aspirations, I gradually rewire my brain to recognize that I am that person. Once I internalize this belief, I begin to act accordingly. And, as a result, I achieve the outcomes associated with that identity.

I encourage you to give it a try. It’s a straightforward process that only requires 90 days, comes at no cost, and offers nothing but potential gains.

Improve Your Mindset With Mantra | Change Your Story - YouTube

This video explores how mantras can significantly shift your mindset and help you reshape your narrative.