The Mental Muscle: Five Self Suggestions to Supercharge Your Success
by: Josh Bryant
Are you tired of going nowhere fast? Stuck like a hamster on the treadmill of endless drudgery and failure? No matter how broken you feel, I’m about to share five tools to help you build a path—not just out of the rut but toward a reality that’s yours for the taking.
If you know these but don’t take action… you’re stuck in a circle jerk—or worse, a full-on mental masturbation session where you’re the only one feeling artificially satisfied. It’s like a barbell just sitting there—not hitting PRs on its own. But grab it, put it to work, and you’ve got a ticket to new heights.
Let’s kick it off with a classic:
Suggestion #1: “Every day, in every way, I’m getting better and better.”
Yeah, you’ve probably heard this one before. It might sound like it’s ripped from a dusty old self-help book or whispered by some hypnotic guru or prosperity preacher. But it works. This gem came from a French pharmacist named Émile Coué, who realized that positive talk outperformed just popping a pill. He wanted a universal, heavy-duty affirmation for all occasions, and this one fit the bill.
It’s so good because it’s simple, direct, and, frankly, impossible to argue with. Who doesn’t want to get better every single day?
But let’s tweak it. Make it yours. Try this: “Every day, in every way, I am (getting) ___________.” Fill in the blank with what fires you up, aligns with your goals, and keeps you moving forward.
Examples:
“Every day, in every way, I’m making choices that keep me leaner and stronger.”
“Every day, in every way, I’m increasing my income and building wealth.”
Here’s what NOT to say: “Every day, in every way, I’m getting less fat.” No, no, and NO. Focus on what you want—not what you’re ditching. Aim at the target, or you will be wrestling in the mud.
Suggestion #2: “I used to ________, but now I __________.”
Now we’re talking. This one packs a punch, perfect for setting yourself up to win. By saying, “I used to [bad habit], but now I [new habit],” you’re shutting down the old wiring and setting up a fresh pathway.
Examples:
- “I used to hit snooze five times, but now I get up and get after it.”
- “I used to waste time, but now I invest in productive time management.”
Notice something missing? Negatives. None of that “don’t” stuff. Here’s why: the subconscious mind doesn’t process negatives well. Telling yourself, “I used to smoke, but now I don’t,” is like telling a kid, “Don’t think about a purple elephant.” What happens? You get a whole circus of purple elephants.
If you’re trying to quit a habit, don’t just say what you’re not doing—focus on what you’re replacing it with. This suggestion is like swapping a worn-out jalopy for a high-powered, polished machine.
Suggestion #3: “Instead of ________, I prefer ________.”
This one is all about making a clean swap. You’re not losing anything; you’re choosing something better. “Instead of [old habit], I prefer [new habit].” It’s not just “getting rid” of something; it’s upgrading.
Examples:
- “Instead of slacking off, I prefer powering through my checklist.”
- “Instead of scrolling mindlessly, I prefer getting outside.”
It’s like trading in a hobo’s Mad Dog 20/20 for a fresh bottle of Dr. Bushwacker’s Hillbilly Horsepower Moonshine—no contest.
Suggestion #4: “It is easy and natural for me to ________.”
This one sneaks into your subconscious like a silent assassin. You’re telling yourself that doing what you need to do isn’t a struggle; it’s part of who you are. This is mental reprogramming, baby.
Examples:
- “It is easy and natural for me to hit my training goals.”
- “It is easy and natural for me to get up and take on the day.”
See how this makes change feel less like a chore and more like second nature? Suddenly, these behaviors are as automatic as reaching for that coffee cup in the morning.
Suggestion #5: “I give myself permission to ________.”
Here’s a good one to round it all out, especially for those who need to stop holding themselves back. You’d be surprised how many people put up mental roadblocks, thinking they can’t or shouldn’t aim big. This one’s all about shoving that self-doubt out of the way and green-lighting your own success.
Examples:
- “I give myself permission to pursue my goals without guilt.”
- “I give myself permission to feel proud of my wins.”
Giving yourself permission isn’t about getting soft; it’s about getting real. You’re not looking for outside validation. You’re saying, “Alright, let’s make this happen.”
Closing It Out – Rinse and Repeat
These affirmations are like training sessions—they build over time. Use them daily, switch them up as you grow, and keep challenging yourself. Once you hit your goals, recycle them, upgrade them, and aim them at new targets.
Like barbells, these suggestions are just tools. Their power is in your hands. The question is: are you gonna let them sit there, or are you gonna put in the work and see where they can take you?
And to my coach, William Smith (RIP)—thank you for teaching me all of these. He may be gone, but his impact will live on forever.
Give yourself permission to build Excessive Force HERE!
