It’s not what you say to everyone else that determines your life; it’s what you whisper to yourself that has the greatest power and influence.
The best lessons we learn in life are the lessons we learn over and over again. The human mind needs lots of reminders — lots of practice — to operate effectively. For example, deep down we know it’s OK to…
- Say “no”
- Speak up
- Tell the truth
- Believe differently
- Change our mind
- Prioritize our needs
- Learn from our mistakes
- Embrace our imperfections
- Forgive and seek forgiveness
- Begin again, stronger than before
Yet, we often do the exact opposite when life gets stressful and we’re under pressure.
We do the wrong things even when we know better.
Because the human mind has weaknesses. It becomes forgetful and insensible when it’s stressed. And the only way to conquer these weaknesses is to practice conquering them. Yes, the mind is like a muscle, and just like every muscle in the human body it needs to be exercised to gain and maintain strength. It needs to be trained daily to grow and develop gradually over time.
The easiest strategy to practice strengthening the mind?
Empowering Quotes on Sticky Notes
It’s all about keeping the right thoughts front and center every day, so they’re readily available in those moments when you need them most. For Marc and me, that means pausing as often as necessary and reflecting on precisely what we need to remember. To make this practice seamless we write ourselves important reminders on sticky notes, like the ones digitally represented below, and then we put them up where we can quickly see and read them throughout the day (most of my sticky notes are up on the wall in my home office, and then I have a couple on my bathroom mirror and refrigerator too).
Our sticky notes keep us on track by keeping our minds empowered with the right perspective. Through this daily practice Marc and I have ultimately learned that while you can’t always control the outer world, you can always choose to fill your inner world with strength, faith, peace, and love. And I’m sure you’ve learned something similar over the years from your own life experiences. But just like us, you often forget. Which is precisely why we have our sticky notes up where we can see them.
So my challenge to YOU is to start practicing alongside us. To get started, use the notes below — perhaps just the ones that resonate most — and rewrite them on physical sticky notes, so you can then stick them up where you can see and read them every day. Whenever you catch yourself feeling overwhelmed or off-center, pause for a moment and quietly read them again to yourself. See how doing so gradually changes the way you respond to life in the heat of the moment…
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12.
(Note: Most of the notes above are included in “The Good Morning Journal: Powerful Prompts & Reflections to Start Every Day”.)
You can use different forms of visual notes too.
Written sticky notes like the ones we’re encouraging you to create are powerful, but they merely scratch the surface of possibilities for beneficial visual reminders. For instance, my phone, tablet, and laptop all have their backgrounds set to photos of my family, both because I love looking at them and because, when work gets really tough, these photos remind me of the people I am ultimately working for. It’s simple but it helps.
I also know dozens of other people who successfully use similar visual reminders on a daily basis. A coaching client of ours who has paid off over $100K of debt in the past five years has a copy of her credit card balance taped to her work computer’s monitor; it serves as a daily reminder of both the progress she is grateful to have made, and debt she still wants to pay off. Another one keeps a photo of herself when she was 90 pounds heavier on her refrigerator as a reminder of the unhealthy lifestyle she never wants to go back to, and the gratitude she has for the changes she has made in her life.
Think of moments when you are most likely to give in to impulses that keep you stuck or take you farther away from your best intentions. Then use written sticky notes and empowering visual reminders to interrupt those negative impulses, so you can keep yourself on track in a positive state of mind in the days ahead.
Now it’s your turn…
Yes, it’s your turn to get some empowering notes up on the walls in your living and working spaces, so you can easily reference them. But before you go, please leave Marc and me a comment below and let us know what you think of this post. Your feedback is important to us. 🙂
Which sticky note or idea above resonates with you the most today?
Finally, if you haven’t done so already, be sure to sign-up for our free newsletter to receive new articles like this in your inbox each week.
Diana says
I actually started changing my life with sticky notes several years ago when I visited a friend who was going through some bad times. She had them plastered on mirrors, walls, the bathroom, etc. It helped her and soon she had me collecting quotes, notes, etc. It would be nice if you two wonderful people, Marc and Angel, could have a product line (like the old page a day calendars or daily diaries, or t-shirts) that had your quotes that we could cut out or save. I am constantly receiving such great benefits from all your positive and inspiring advice. Just a thought and a note of thanks.
Sandy Hall says
How do I make these printed sticky notes?
Marc Chernoff says
You just have to re-write them on your own sticky-note pad. The actual process on writing them down yourself can help with memorizing them too. (And thanks for the kindness and idea, Diana.)
JH says
Number 12, I’m paraphrasing:
…”don’t be afraid, have faith, look for the learning, trust in the journey…”
This was my favorite. I have experienced the importance of this in my life’s 64-year journey, and even more so this past few years. It’s a realization that has led to life-changing experiences, gradually.
Thank you for reminding me to remind myself of this.
Marie Jo says
Me too.
I am now going to write my own note to Marc & Angel.
Flora says
Thank you for this great ideas. I will definitely start to do this.
William says
I have found so much inspiration from your emails and blog in recent times. I am hoping to be in one of your live events in in the future too. As a pastor, I use your materials often with attribution. Thanks for doing what you two do. These notes are all wonderful reminders!
Marianne says
How timely! I just finished a text to a friend about using sticky notes and index cards as tools to sell her house and stay vigilant in her positive thinking as she prepares for a big move in the spring for a fresh start after some family turmoil. FL to SC! Visualize it fellow manifesters. Thanks!
Shae B says
I used to do the same thing with index cards (a habit I learned from my mother). Your post here was a fine reminder to get me back on track with this good habit. Thank you!
D says
M&A, your teachings continue to help me find hope and direction as I navigate some very tough transitions right now.
The advice here is a solid reinforcement for me, because lately, based on Angel’s recommendation via your course awhile back, I’ve been pretty much doing exactly this–I read a part of one of your emails, posts, or a page of your 1,000 Little Things or 1,000 Habits books almost every day before I leave my home in the morning. This daily ritual keeps so many things in perspective and creates a sense of subtle awareness that somehow encourages me to face the tough parts of my life more effectively. As you’ve said, the right thoughts are sitting closer to the top of my mind these days. Thanks for continuing to be a light in my life.
Bakul Patel says
Thank you to you both….marc and angel
….for making people aware of such a useful and essential tool that can have such a positive impact on our lives.
We can all do with it in this fast and dizzying ‘merry go round’ of a world we live in
Sowmya Krishna says
My sticky note near my home work desk says ” Every drop of Effort put in, counts.”
This is my Guiding light & Assurance for my every day living.
Jennifer Ino says
“Instead of focusing on those who have let you down, focus on those who lift you up.” This one resonates with me because I’m in a work environment where my colleague has said hurtful things to me and I struggle with letting go of it. I play it over and over in my mind. Instead, when I hear that voice, I will repeat this mantra. Thanks for the reminder!
Grace Mwendapole says
I may not say much but am practicing what am learning from the two of you.
BE says
Thank you for your email and all the sticky notes. The sticky note that I found more helpful was the #10. “It will happen when It’s time.”
Letting life unfold at its own pace has been vital to my inner peace recently after a surprise layoff.
Grateful.
Renee Waters says
I really enjoy reading your emails, chock-full of good ideas and information. I am working on a gratitude practice. I wake up each morning and say “thank you for my life.” I live next to an Arboretum and in a city with more trees than I have ever seen in this country (and I have lived in 7 States, including California). There is beauty everywhere and people who lift me up when I am down. The store on the corner has a sign which says “you are loved. You are enough.” And that helps too. Looking forward to more of your emails!
Kelly Almond says
I need more trees in my life x
David Cleroux says
The ultimate measure of your wisdom and strength, is how calm you are when facing any given situation. Calmness is indeed a superpower. The ability to not overreact or take things personally keeps your mind clear and your heart at peace, which instantly gives you the upper hand.
This is a quote that I need to memorize. It will be a blessing in time of need. Thanks so much! Hugs.
Simon says
Thank you both for your guidance, you have helped me through a very difficult time in my life and continue to do so with your articles.
Lanett says
I’ve used notes around my home for years. They really help me so long as I read them!!
laxman jee thakur says
I really loved this post — especially how simple reminders can shift our mindset throughout the day. It’s amazing how small words can bring so much peace.