As we celebrate Independence Day Patrick Henry’s famous quote about choosing death over living without liberty is an example of the kind of intention and clarity that makes one Unsinkable.  Do you have a mantra, affirmation or elevator speech that is as clear about where you want to go?  Here is how to develop one.

Picture Yourself

Are you working in a chrome and glass office building or at an antique desk in a cozy corner of your home?  Did you just get tenure, a fabulous deal or a cottage by the sea?  How does your day play out?  Do you exercise after you get the kids off to school?  What car do you drive?  How much time do you have for family, friends or hobbies?  Write out your dream situation just like a story and dwell there for a few minutes every day.  Push yourself beyond the “realistic” – what would bring you joy?

Believe in yourself

ESPECIALLY if you are in the middle of tough times — for our Founding Fathers and Mothers it was a revolution, for you it may be difficult economic or personal times you must keep the faith.  During the storms of life you must become you own best friend.  Stop and listen to your self-talk.  How often do you chastise and undermine yourself…how often do you talk up your strengths?  You can take an objective look at your strengths and weaknesses but DO NOT allow yourself to spend more time on negative thinking than you do on the positive side of the equation.

Create a mantra

Some people call them affirmations or a mantra – a few words you repeat so often you find yourself speaking them under your breath all day long.  Here are a few examples:  My dream job is here.  My future is glorious.  I find the perfect position. 

Speak your mantra out loud every morning and evening, shout it out with my arms uplifted to the heavens.  Then allow your mantra to become your silent and constant prayer.  For years mine was, “I am open to the abundance of the universe which is mine by divine right.”  More recently, as I’m re-inventing, “My future is glorious.”  In all cases, use the present, not the future, tense.  Not: I’m going to graduate from college but I AM a college graduate.

Patrick Henry’s mantra founded a country — what will yours create?