The Power of Positive Self-Talk
We all talk to ourselves. Talking to yourself is a funny thought when we think of it in terms of some walking up on you and catching you talking to yourself. But the conversations in our mind. (Our internal dialogues) can be some of the most important conversations we’ll ever have. Our beliefs about ourselves impact what we tell ourselves. What we tell ourselves influences how we feel about ourselves and what we feel about ourselves ultimately impacts how we treat ourselves and allow others to treat us. The conversations in our mind or Self-Talk, when repeated enough begin to feel like facts to us. Therefore our mindsets are shaped by the type of Self-Talk we find ourselves engaging in everyday.
The Impact of Positive Self-Talk
Our daily lives can be filled with so much noise that can begin to weigh on our minds. Am I a good parent? Am I a good student? Am I being the best friend I can be? Am I a good person? We all need a Pep-Talk from time to time. This is where your internal motivator voice comes in.
Practicing Positive Self-Talk can help to motivate and face challenges, provide a sense of
assurance and encouragement. The best voice to hear saying “You can do it” is the voice that you hear in your head everyday.
The Dangers of Negative Self-Talk
On the flip side, for many of us, negative self-talk distorts our view on life, dims our light and diminishes our self-esteem. You can find yourself discouraged, stressed and at times you’re left feeling stuck, powerless, or unworthy. Your thoughts determine how you approach the problems in your life. Do you see the challenges as opportunities for growth or as insurmountable barriers?
Common Types of Negative Thinking
A couple of common types of Negative Self-Talk are:
Personalizing - Feeling when negative things happen in your life, that you are the source of the problem.
Example: You and a friend make plans for lunch, but they cancel at the last minute. You
immediately tell yourself “I must have done something wrong for them to cancel”.
Filtering - Focusing only on negative aspects of a situation while ignoring any positive
outcomes.
Example: You receive a performance review at work. It’s mostly positive feedback but you focus on the one small criticism.
How to Overcome Negative Thinking
Here are a couple of ways to combat negative self-talk.
Check Your Thoughts - When a negative thought arises, take a moment to evaluate it. Ask yourself: Is this thought rational? Is there a more positive way to look at the situation? Reframe the Narrative/Think of the Another Alternative - Replace negative statements with constructive alternatives.
Negative Thought: “I’m always late to everything.”
Positive Thought: “If I start setting my alarm and using reminders, I can be on time and make my day run smoother.”
The Truth About Positive Self-Talk
Positive self-talk is not about lying to yourself or self-deception where you ignore reality.
Instead, it’s about finding productive and empowering ways to deal with the ups and downs that come in our lives. It helps us to acknowledge challenges while focusing on solutions instead of problems.
Self-Talk Promoters
Building a habit of positive self-talk takes time, patience, and practice. Here are some ways to encourage a healthy internal dialogue:
● Surround Yourself with Positive People - The attitudes of those around you can
influence your own mindset. Seek supportive relationships.
● Take Care of Your Body - Regular exercise and a healthy diet contribute to mental
clarity and emotional balance.
● Identify Negative Triggers - Be mindful of environments, people, or situations that lead
to negative thinking.
● Use Humor - Finding humor in difficult situations can ease tension and shift your
perspective.
The Benefits of Positive Self-Talk
By adopting a habit of positive self-talk, you can:
● Better manage stress
● Increase motivation and self-confidence
● Boost your energy levels
Final Thoughts
Changing your self-talk doesn’t happen overnight! It’s a process that requires intentional effort and consistency. However, when practiced regularly, positive self-talk can lead to a healthier, more balanced mindset, ultimately helping you navigate life’s challenges with confidence and resilience.
It’s a process!
Be patient with yourself, and remember the way you talk to yourself matters!
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