Much is written about how to change the behaviors in the continual quest for professional and business excellence or self-improvement. One of the most often cited tools for change management is an affirmation statement. These are written statements, many times penned onto a 3 x 5 index card and exhibit the following criteria:

• Begin in the first person singular I
• Stated in the present tense
• Describe the change or person that you wish to become
• Contain only positive words

• First thing in the morning right after awakening
• Mid day
• Last thing in the evening before going to sleep

• Hold the card (Physical)
• Read the card (Visual)
• Speak the written words out loud (Audio)
• Feel the statement from your gut (Emotional)

For example, recently I began working with a new coaching client who was looking to build her real estate business. She acknowledged that she needed to attend more networking events to increase her contacts. As we explored what type of events to attend, she admitted that she really didn't like to attend networking events because she was more of an introvert than many people realized.

As the dialogue continued, I suggested that her reluctance to attend networking events many have a lot more to do with her own negative conditioning I don't really like to go to these events than she realized. She in essence was confirming a belief that because she was an introvert; she was uncomfortable at these events even though she knew that she needed to attend.

Quickly she realized that her beliefs of being an introvert were holding her back and that she could now begin to change her beliefs that would change her attitudes and therefore her behaviors. With the help of a 3x5 index card, she wrote the following belief statement: I love to meet people. This belief statement along with a written goal of attending at least 3 networking events each week will definitely help her increase her contacts and therefore her business results. As the coaching session continued, she took the opportunity to write several other belief statements.

Belief statements better define the core for any change. How many times have you heard someone say, I affirm what you said.? For myself, I have probably only heard this once or twice during my entire lifetime.

Yet, how many times have we heard someone say, I believe what you said.? This word, believe, is an intrinsic part of our daily thoughts and actions. So, doesn't it make more sense to call these positive statements of change belief statements?

If you are having change management challenges, then consider using Belief Statements as an effective tool to manage change better, quick and with more sustainable results. After all, change must begin from within.

Leanne Hoagland-Smith

Good Day. Thanks for visiting. I hope that you have enjoyed my articles. In 1999, I founded ADVANCED SYSTEMS because I saw that performance could and should be doubled in warp time. Individuals, small and large businesses could not afford expensive solutions that may or may not deliver improved results in 12 months.

From my corporate, small business and education experiences, I recognized the individuals must have opportunities for connecting their passion to their purpose to secure the desired performance results, but many lacked the necessary skills, strategies and tools.

With over 20 years in sales management and 10 years in education, I understand how to unite productivity with profitability by developing a proactive working culture. My previous experiences resulted in cost savings through one of the first implementations of a computer software in a wholesaler distributor to the creation of a vendor performance assessment.

Since facilitating over 500 sessions, developing and editing over 25 training programs and writing numerous articles focusing on performance improvement, I bring a results focused approach to my clients. Also, I am proud to be one of the first five nationally certified facilitators of America?s Rising Stars (a Student Leadership developmental curriculum).

My passion is to help others connect their passion to their purpose to double performance. As The small business coach in Chicago, my clients have easily doubled their performance. Since our greatest resource is our young people, I am now working with large urban schools to generate the same results.

Education Background

• Graduated with honors from Purdue University with a B.A. in Education
• Earned M.S. from Purdue University in Instructional Design and Curriculum
• Published in the national trade journal, The Supply House Times, and numerous national newsletters
• Developed seminars and training on diversity, communication, leadership, sales, effective trade show behavior, networking, knowledge management, goal setting and improved educational outcomes
• Co-authored M.A.G.I.C.A.L. Potential: 7 Capicities for Living an Amazing Life Beyond Purpose to Achievement, to be available in 2006
• Working a another book focusing on performance in public education
• Speaker in a national bureau - Resource Associates Corporation