DMV Fitness logo

Mirror Mirror on the Wall…

It’s March 2011, I’m standing surrounded by thousands and thousands of people all chanting, NOW I AM THE VOICE. The energy is so intense it’s like something from an arena music gig. On stage is this huge man with the biggest smile and whitest teeth I’ve ever seen. 

With ease he conducts us through what I’ve now come to know as an affirmation. 

affirmation

I am in the Excel Arena, Tony Robbins is rocking the place and teaching us how to access and empower our higher selfs.

Unleash the Power within was a life changing catalyst for me as it has been for millions of others.

Davie & Tommy

This was my first introduction to power affirmations. It’s a technique I’ve used since to overcome my own low self worth and self esteem issues. 

Many of us struggle with internal conflict. What I mean by internal conflict is we have a dis-empowering dialogue going on between our ears, usually from years of negative conditioning. We criticise ourselves, talk down to ourselves and at times even bully ourselves. 

The worst of it is, it is not our fault. We usually pick it up from our parents or guardian. And they did the same from their parents. So no one is to blame, it’s all just part of growing up in the West of Scotland and the UK as a whole.

There is no magic pill, lotion or potion you can take to instantly improve your self worth and self esteem. It takes time, space and patience,a lot of acceptance, forgiveness and practiced reconditioning.

It’s true that no one will ever hate you as bad as you can hate yourself. As Coco Chanel famously said, 

”If we spoke to our friends the way we speak to ourselves then we wouldn’t have any”

I feel it’s important to work on self chat, self image, self worth, and self esteem. I label this as emotional Fitness. I believe it’s the most important area of personal development and the space where you find satisfaction, self validation, contentment and fulfilment. 

Dr Maxwell Maltz was a pioneer in self image psychology and a highly successful plastic surgeon who then became a psychologist so he could help people heal in their mind rather than put them through surgery.

He wrote the book Phycho-Cybernetics first published in 1969. I’ve learned a lot from him. 

Here’s a favourite quote, 

“The ”self-image” is the key to human personality and human behavior. Change the self image and you change the personality and the behavior.”

Maxwell Maltz

When COVID lockdown happened and I knew I would be training, coaching and creating from home every day, I decided to make a power wall.

Firstly, I bought a mirror and surrounded it with favourite, poems, quotes, power phrases and affirmations. 

Then as it grew, I added my 2020 vision board, my COVID specific goals, new coaching models that I’ve designed and acronyms to go with them. I finished it off with pictures the boys hadcoloured in for me.

Vision wall

As part of my morning routine I adopt my power stance, recite my affirmations and create a peak emotional state.

This sets me up nicely for a great movement practice (physical training session) I also use this process to renew my emotional fitness. 

I am a big believer in using affirmations, vision boards and journaling to improve my attitude on a daily basis. Also to renew my self worth and self esteem.

I get that some of you may think this is a bit out there, especially if you’re from the West of Scotland (we tend to be a cynical lot).  

However, there is a lot of data to back up the effectiveness of these types of practices. 

In her very interesting Ted Talk, Amy Cuddy, Social psychologist, speaker and best selling author shares her insight into the effectiveness of power posing to become present with your authentic self and to perform at a higher level.

 

Tchiki David Ph.D. who is a consultant, writer, and expert on well-being technology. Tchiki shared 11 Keys To Affirmations That Work in Psychology Today.

Top affirmations

It’s great to feel and know something works for you. It’s even better when it’s backed up by experts in the field of Psychology. 

Doing affirmations has really encouraged me into a much better relationship with myself. It’s helped me to stop worrying all the time. Something I did intensely for so many years. 

I learned a lot of these techniques, reading and listening to the great book by Louise HayYou Can Heal Your Life‘.

I’ve also taught the boys about affirmations. I started this at a young age. As I know better than my parents did that I have a responsibility to teach my sons.

I intend for them to grow up strong, self secure, able to show vulnerability and share openly. We do mirror work, affirmations and breath work together. 

I know it won’t make life any easier for them. However, it will help them to develop into secure young men. 

I’ll finish this blog with a video I listened to a lot when I was developing myself in this area.

Until the next time,

“Strength for Life”

Davie.

footer

Davie McConnachie

Davie McConnachie is Scotland’s leading health and wellness coach, multi-award-winning gym owner, motivational speaker and the founder of DMC Fitness, a fitness education facility known as the premier choice for 1-2-1 personal training. He has inspired thousands of people to fall in love with fitness – his true purpose and mission in life.

Diving into the world of fitness and wellness has helped Davie to deal with his own trauma and inner demons. He, overcame many dark times using his own unique methods to continue his cycle of healing.