In this week's episode of The Productive Woman, we talk about a way we can use words to refocus our thinking in more productive directions--by developing personal mantras. Having personal mantras can help us get through the tougher days and also increase our productivity In last week's episode we discussed manifestos for a life that matters and this week we're talking about mantras. Specifically, devoloping mantra's for personal productivity. What is a mantra?  (originally in Hinduism and Buddhism) a word or sound repeated to aid concentration in meditation. a statement or slogan repeated frequently. “What's the difference between a mantra and an affirmation? Your affirmation should be a declaration that either compliments who you are as a person, or confirms who you want to be. Mantras are chants repeated multiple times during a spiritual session, like yoga or meditation. Mantra means to “release the mind” in Sanskrit terminology.” [from Affirmations vs. Mantras: Pros, Cons, & Differences] “We are the stories we tell ourselves. We are the thoughts we repeat and the words we come to believe. We do not attract that which we want, but that which we are.” [from 4 Self-Care Morning Mantras to Boost Your Confidence] “The magic of the mantra is in the repetition. Mantras remind us of our truth, calm us, reassure us, bring us back to the present, and over time, they have the power to change our entire belief system. Instead of allowing your mind to run wild, like a loosey goosey, use a mantra to focus your concentration, to create with ease, to lighten up and to live life more elegantly.” [from 80 Mantras for the Elegant Lady] In episode 361, Using Words Productively, one of the ideas we talked about was using them to train your mind. Here’s what I said back then: “Words are what our minds use to create thoughts. Our thoughts create our emotions, which drive our actions, which produce our results. Thoughts are words; choose them intentionally. Thinking and saying things as simple as I get to vs. I have to can make a big difference. It’s a subtle change in words and mindset and we can choose which one we want to have.  If you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right. We can change the way our minds use words by persistent, intentional practice.” One way to do that is by developing our own mantras--words or phrases repeated persistently and intentionally--to address areas where we want to retrain our thinking. Following are examples of mantras that I use, or intend to add to my repertoire, for various purposes: 1. To train my mind to be present rather than wandering elsewhere, I love this one suggested by contributing writer June DiMelo in the June 2022 issue of Real Simple magazine: “Be here now.” 2. To get myself to do things that are hard or endure difficult situations, I use one or more of the following: I can do anything for a while. This too shall pass. I don’t have to like it; I just have to do it. 3. To correct my thinking about time and priorities, I remind myself: There is enough time to do what matters most.