Our internal dialogue can be our best friend or our own worst enemy. It can limit us from doing what we want to do resulting in a lack of confidence, even though you know that other people believe in your abilities.

It doesn't have to be that way because we all have complete control over the way we think and feel (whether you believe that or not!) and can regain control by using a variety of methods, one I recommend is affirmations.

Negative self-talk can be a roadblock to doing your best, pursuing your dreams, and enjoying life. On the other hand, positive self-talk - especially with affirmations - can spur you on to do great things and live an exciting life full of passion!

Using affirmations can change how you think about yourself and how you view the world around you. These positive statements can bring you the motivation you seek, as well as happiness, joy, and passion.

* When you're feeling negative or down, repeating affirmations can immediately improve your mood.

Even though affirmations can work immediately, don't think of them as a quick fix. Positive affirmations are most effective in the long-term so you can get what you deeply desire out of life.

When you use affirmations, you are literally reprogramming the way you think. You replace your negative self-talk and doubts with positive, motivating thoughts. Eventually, these positive thoughts become reality.

These motivational affirmations work because they push away the negative thoughts that are limiting you day in and day out. You can leave your negative thinking in the past if you fill your current thoughts with positive, motivational affirmations.

Before you know it, these positive affirmations will become second nature, allowing you to change your life systematically, one thought at a time.

Here are the top ten motivational affirmations:

1. I welcome positive energy and I use that feeling to accomplish more.

2. I use my energy to live my life to the fullest.

3. No matter what I'm working on, I'm always committed to completing my goal.

4. I trust my thought processes. They are clear and I am very capable.

5. I can find my own intrinsic motivator.

6. No matter how hard I may fall, I get back up, dust myself off, and forge on.

7. No matter the challenge, I will see it through.

8. I enjoy being responsible for my actions.

9. My life is full of purpose, exciting change, and many recognized deeds.

10. By commemorating the smallest nuggets of success, I am motivated to complete the larger tasks.

Use this list of affirmations in those moments of self-doubt to help you find the motivation you need. Repeat them in the morning when you first wake up, or make them your last thoughts at night before you sleep.

Add your own energy into them by making them your own, change the words or add to them. Affirmations are far more powerful when you create them for yourself because they have special meaning for you. It doesn't matter where you get them, as long as they speak to your heart and are focused on the present.

We all need a motivational boost from time to time. Now you don't have to look to other people or situations to keep you moving forward. Keep your affirmation list updated with the thoughts you'd like to be thinking, repeat your affirmations several times a day, and soon you will easily be able to command and master your emotions rather than having them control you.