From Principle #5, Believe In Yourself, in The Success Principles book by Jack Canfield, I’ve summarized some key points quoted from this great chapter.

“You have to believe in yourself. Whether you call it self-esteem, self-confidence, or self-assurance, it is a deep-seated belief that you have what it takes–the abilities, inner resources, talents, and skills to create your desired results.”

There is not much to discuss that is greater than how believing in ourselves is key to what we can achieve. It doesn’t matter what field, or what endeavor we may choose to act out or act upon. It has been said that “persistence is omnipotent.” And, I agree with that, and persistence is fueled by our belief in our ability and power to accomplish as we will.

“If you are going to be successful, you need to give up the phrase “I can’t” and all of its cousins, such as “I wish I were able to.” The words I can’t actually disempower you. They actually make you weaker when you say them.


Your brain is designed to solve any problem and reach any goal that you give it. The words you think and say actually affect your body.”

What we say aloud, and what we say in our own self-talk has far more power than we may realize. Once aware, we can then choose to think and speak empowering words that will help us build our self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-assurance.