There's an art to self motivation. Motivational speakers give us many techniques for self improvement, and they all work while we're at the seminar, reading the book, or watching the DVD. But what about later on, when we practice motivational techniques on our own?

Affirmations are great motivation boosters. They are highly recommended as a way to imprint positive thinking onto our subconscious. The problem with affirmations is that many people do them incorrectly. These common mistakes apply to self motivation outside of affirmations, too. Any time you are motivating yourself, make sure you avoid these pitfalls:

First, many people attempt self motivation using negative terminology. For example, if you want to lose weight and continually tell yourself "I don't want to be fat", then 'fat' is what you're focused on. Or "I don't want to be in debt". Again, 'debt' is the focus. The key is to transform the motivational focus to something proactive such as "I am becoming fit and slender" or "I am becoming wealthy." Any time you want to motivate yourself, use progressive, proactive terminology.

Second, avoid future thinking such as "I will be successful" or "I will live in a beautiful house". The problem with this is that you don't have anything to grasp at. Your dreams will always live in the future, and you live in the present! A much better self motivation technique is to think of things as already happening, such as "I am becoming successful" or "I see myself living in a beautiful house". Why does this work? Because you get excited about things you can have NOW, right? Would you rather have something now, or wait for it? Most people are much more motivated by having something sooner rather than later.

Third, people often don't believe in themselves. They simply don't believe that they are capable of achieving (something big). How do you spot this? When you see people using the word "try". Trying implies permission to fail. It's a way out. If you hear motivational speech centering around "I'll try my best", you know that person doesn't believe in him or herself. Instead, use "I am becoming better and better". Every day, no matter what you're striving for, give it just a little more effort and determination. Be better every day. The point is, become the person capable of achieving. It's a process - and you'll get there!

Fourth, procrastination is the number one dream-destroyer at your disposal. You can say all the affirmations you want; you can use the latest self motivation techniques; but if you don't take action, nothing, nothing, nothing will happen. Ever. So, you have to put some action behind your motivation. Whenever you're faced with an unpleasant or intimidating task, give yourself a little pep talk and dive in and get started immediately! Don't wait. Act while the passion is high and you'll make significant progress.

Fifth, many people repeat affirmations every day but don't fully get into the spirit of it. Don't just "say" affirmations. Mindless repetition isn't exactly motivational. The magic of affirmations lies in the delivery. Say your affirmations or other self motivation statements with passion. Determination, fire, enthusiasm. And back it up with your demeanor. Stand tall, and proclaim your intention to the world!

And really, the true magic of self motivation lies in action. You should definitely boost your confidence with motivational talk and affirmations - but ultimately, taking action is the best motivator. Once you're busy acting on your dream, you literally don't have time to be worried or unmotivated because action on a goal feels so good!

Kim Brevard is a self improvement and motivation enthusiast determined to motivate people to get what they want out of life. Visit her self motivation page at www.fuel-my-motivation.com for unique ideas and visitor's perspectives on successful self motivation techniques.