Madison Avenue is still alive and thriving. Whether we realize it or not, we are being marketed to all the time. And they know what they’re doing.

Years ago, I took my three year old son to a football game. It must have been wishful thinking on my part to think he would care about the game at such a young age. Yet, during a commercial break he heard a gong. My son looked up and said, “That’s Taco Bell!” Yes, marketing is effective.

We might fall for the latest marketing gimmick. We believe something is “new and improved” and our expectations are raised. But what are you telling yourself?

What you believe about yourself is going to come true. In my experience I have met people who think they are a nobody, that they have nothing worthwhile to contribute. This is a lie they have chosen to believe.

Life is a constant growth process, not a destination. Consider where you were twenty years ago when you want to see how far you’ve come. You might surprise yourself.

Take inventory of your life. Focus on the good you have done. Telling yourself the truth is part of holding yourself accountable. Meditate on what you do well. Do more of those things.

You are marketing to yourself. Make sure there is truth in what you are advertising…