My son is at that age where he will repeat everything we tell him. We started by getting him to say things such as, "Please" and "I love you." I'm from the mountains so he also knows "calf-rope". Then I had a better idea. There is a very specific narrative I want him to believe about himself. I started getting him to repeat things like, "I'm smart" and "I'm going to be somebody." Most importantly, he says, "I'm going to be saved."
I lost my job about two months ago due to the death of my employer. I have used the time to catch up on yardwork and modify a guitar. I am also learning about saltwater fishing. Those things are great, but don't bring money into the household. Last week, I started teaching my son to say, "Daddy's going to get a job." On the third day or repeating this to each other, I was finally hired. Don't ever underestimate the power of the narrative you believe about yourself. Be sure to make it a good narrative.