Why Everyone Should Create a 2014 Mantra

“Words have power. They work. That’s why poetry can affect people. That’s why music and lyrics and songs affect people, and that’s why chants and prayers and affirmations and all those various things affect the frame of mind.”
– Sammy Hagar

by Neissa Brown Springmann

Having grown up the daughters of a coach, my sister and I were raised to be physically and mentally tough. For example, in the horrible event that we would ever be attacked, our dad showed us how to defend ourselves. And I’m not talking when we were in middle school or high school — he started demonstrating this in first or second grade! It went about like this: “If someone approaches you, the first thing you do is kick’em in the groin. Then, as they are bent down in pain, with both hands and like a cymbal, pop’em in the ears. Finally, hit’em in the nose.” Clearly the assailant would be hurting from the groin kick, but their ears would also be ringing, their equilibrium thrown off to prevent them from chasing us, and their nose, well, that’s just adding insult to injury.

Then were the mottos that have shaped our mindsets. When my sister or I would fall and hurt ourselves, my dad would make us repeat “I’m mean, I’m tough!” Eventually, we’d start laughing and the pain would go away; however, when you’ve told yourself those words enough times, they begin to shape the way you think and your ability to handle painful situations. Ironically, the other day I stubbed my toe, and while crouched down and moaning, Durant (my three-year-old son) said, “Mommy, you’re mean and tough!” Of course I beamed from the inside-out and said, “Yes I am!” and quickly got over my sore toe.

The second and equally as important motto is: “I’m as good as the best and better than the rest.” My dad reinforced this when we played sports. Of course there were times when we would doubt our abilities and get down on our performance. Without fail he’d always say, “Get your head up and say it.” And so, we’d pick our head up and say, “I’m as good as the best and better than the rest,” and we’d have to repeat it until we meant it. Interestingly, the motto never made us arrogant, rather, it instilled self confidence and helped us persevere and pursue our goals and dreams without fear. Now, in the event that fear or self-doubt ever creeps up, we repeat the words, “I’m as good as the best and better than the rest” …and the fear magically disappears.

While the mottos I was coached to say and now live by continue to be a part of my mental programming and psyche, my life, like all of ours, is constantly evolving and each season brings a new and different set of circumstances, opportunities, challenges and goals. And now that I am fully immersed in 2014 and can look at it with a realistic pair of eyes (not just January 1/New Year’s eyes), I’ve decided to create my “mantra”/”intention”/”motto,” if you will, to guide me through the next several months. What I’ve chosen is: “We Can Do Hard Things.” I’ve chosen this because it serves as a reminder to me that while I am working, pursing my personal and professional goals and striving to be my best, WE can do it. And, because it is all hard, my husband Russell and I are in this together, and it takes a village to parent children, get anywhere, and accomplish anything. Saying and seeing the words “We Can Do Hard Things” will inspire me to hit the hard things head-on and keep going.

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Point to Ponder:

How about you?
Do you have a 2014 seasonal saying or focus that will help you reach your goals, aspirations or simply help you get through the next several months with a smile on your face?

In the event you need some help, here are a few ideas that I hope light a fire in your soul, alter your mindset and inspire positive action:

Get your hair wet (a.k.a., have more fun); Making memories is more important;
Dirty shorts can be worn twice; Be fearless; Love myself; Leap and the net will appear;
Be nice; Carry on warrior; Participate in the rhythm of life; Love being alone;
Trust the process; Discover ME; Be consistent; Never say never; Balance is impossible

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