But you can go even further. You can build on your enthusiasm and etch it into your essence. First, increase your excitement to accomplish by remembering that victory brings you your greatest wish — greatness. Next, transform that energy into determination by firmly thinking, “I will not do that!” Think or say this repeatedly with gusto, each time pumping your fist or doing whatever makes you feel confident. The enthusiasm and determination will give you incredible strength.
Determination must come from you wanting to succeed. This comes from contemplating the thrilling payoff. When you fight, you accomplish unique feats that you will take pride in forever! You will make Hashem so happy and proud! You will act with self-mastery, and you will continue to move closer to becoming the person you want to be.
Here are some statements to repeatedly think about and say confidently before a challenge:
“I want to succeed and reach greatness.”
“I will not do that no matter what!”
“I know what I need to do and I will do it! I will make myself really proud.”
“I’m going to show myself what I’m capable of!”
“Though I desire to do something and it is enjoyable, it isn’t worth it and I won’t do it. I will choose greatness over cheap thrills!”
Say these statements with excitement. It is best to choose one statement and repeat it over and over confidently, rather than cycling through the different statements. Use whatever phrase speaks to you best, and experiment with the others or make up your own later on.
Preparing yourself before the challenge is the key to victory. By deciding how we will act in advance, we can make clear decisions and be ready for our impulses. This strengthens us to crush the yetzer hara in the battle of the generation.
Quick Recap: