Do you talk to yourself?
Whether you speak to yourself aloud or internally, research shows that everyone has an inner monologue.
What we don’t generally grasp is how powerful self-talk can be.
Your internal dialogue is often a reflection of your subconscious beliefs, questions and images of yourself.
Have you ever thought – “if I change my mind now, everyone will be annoyed with me?”
Or, “I’m not able to do that so I’m not going.”
How about:
“This is a great chance for me to learn something new” and “I’m going to give it my best and hopefully everything works out”.
Our self talk can reaffirm positives or exaggerate negatives.
How can you improve your negative inner dialogue?
Identify traps.
Take note of when you experience heightened negative self talk such as ahead of meetings, social gatherings, classes or assignments.
Step back and observe the voice and remind yourself the negative thoughts are not reality.
They are not true.
Consider giving that voice a nickname because humour really does help.
Change the language of the monologue – you are not bad at something, you merely are still learning…
Cross-examine the monologue to see if their story holds up?
What skills and abilities have you previously shown that discredits these thoughts?
What would a friend say if you discussed it with them?
Self-talk is one of those habits nobody really admits because they think it makes them a weirdo.
However, it is to be encouraged and it can be improved.
Acknowledge and counteract negativity, surround yourself with positive people, check-in with yourself and give yourself credit for success.
Take care and (Give it a rest Disaster Dom).
