4. It can substitute negative thoughts with a constructive self-talk.
If you find yourself thinking, “I’ll never finish this,” replace that thought with a mantra like:
- “Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good.”
- “I’ve done it before and I can do it again.”
- “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
You could use the following as your slogan if you tell yourself: “I should always put others before myself”:
- “Put your own oxygen mask on first.”
5. You can break a habit by using a motto.
The capacity to recall your long-term objective is a crucial component of willpower. A motto can clearly express your motivation for changing a habit, which will strengthen your willpower. These sayings can help you stay on track when you try to improve your habits:
- “Health first.”
- “Exercise — stay stronger longer.”
- “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”
- “He who has a why can endure any how.”
- “Make the right thing to do the easy thing to do.”
- “Smoke-free — a healthy me.”
6. You can be reminded of who you are and what you stand for by using a personal motto.
A son recalled his mother’s personal mantra at a burial service: “Be kind. Tell the reality. Give it your all.” There are no shorter or finer words to live by.
And a lot of us could certainly live by Gandhi’s famous quote, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
