Uploaded March 2020 | Updated September 2026, 40 minutes ago

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More tips:

- make it short, since you need to read it every day
- make it personal. Something in the language you understand. The words, the feelings. It needs to mean a lot to you.
- make it specific. Give yourself process-oriented goals to focus on for each lift, like "when I squat, make sure to clear my mind of all distractions and execute exactly like the champion I am". Talk about the numbers you are going to hit.
- use the language as if you are the kind of person you're trying to become. If you want to be more sure of yourself, talk about how assertive you are. You can even say "it is like me to ____".
- try to avoid using negative words like "don't", "can't", "won't", and so on, EVEN IF IT'S TO CONVEY SOMETHING POSITIVE like "I can't be stopped". Instead of describing what can't happen, describe what CAN happen.

Here's one I modified that Matt Gary gave me:

"July 30, 2019

"I am a 720-pounds squatter. I train hard, wisely, and like a powerlifting champion ___ days per week. I always run a mental program before each lift and reinforce successful reps by saying, “That’s like me.” Then I focus on the next set. I record my performance analysis in my training journal and on video. I read my Directive Affirmation daily. I am a 720-pounds squatter."

Here's one that an athlete of ours made:

"I enjoy the training process. I lift to beat my own records, stay healthy and have fun while doing so. I pay attention to my nutrition, sleep and technique. I trust that the program will get me towards my goals. I choose my training loads wisely and don't lift for instagram. Although my job sometimes makes training more difficult, I find strategic ways to put in the work because I am disciplined and will not allow obstacles to come between me and my powerlifting goals. At the end of the day, I know that I have done everything in my capacity to gain positive momentum towards a bigger total. The only thing that can hold me back are my own doubts."

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