Self-Talk & the impact it has on our lives
What is self-talk?
Self-talk is an internal dialogue that we have with ourselves, and it can have a significant impact on our lives. Our thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes are shaped by this ongoing conversation, and it can either empower us or hold us back. Here’s a closer look at self-talk and how it affects our lives.
How does it affect our lives?
Positive self-talk can increase self-esteem and boost confidence. When we talk to ourselves in a positive manner, we are more likely to feel good about ourselves and our abilities. This type of self-talk can also help us to overcome fear, anxiety, and stress. For example, if you’re about to give a presentation, you might tell yourself, “I am well-prepared, and I will do my best.” This type of positive self-talk can help to calm your nerves and increase your confidence.
On the other hand, negative self-talk can be damaging to our self-esteem and mental health. Negative self-talk can be critical, judgmental, or full of self-doubt. For example, if you make a mistake, you might tell yourself, “I’m so stupid. I can never do anything right.” This type of negative self-talk can be self-defeating and lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
How to change the way you talk to yourself
So as you see, the way we talk to ourselves has a powerful impact on our lives. By being aware of our thoughts and making an effort to change negative self-talk, we can improve our self-esteem, boost our confidence, enhance our mental health and generally change our lives for the better.
Here are a few tips for getting started and improving self-talk:
Pay attention to your thoughts: The first step in changing your self-talk is to become aware of what you’re saying to yourself. Take some time each day to reflect on your thoughts and write down what you’re saying to yourself.
Challenge negative self-talk: When you catch yourself engaging in negative self-talk, challenge it. Ask yourself if it’s true, and if not, replace it with a more positive thought.
Practice gratitude: Focus on the things you’re grateful for, and tell yourself positive things about yourself and your life.
Surround yourself with positive people: The people we surround ourselves with can have a big impact on our self-talk. Surround yourself with positive, supportive people who encourage and motivate you.
- Start each day with a couple of positive affirmations such as, “I am happy”, “I am healthy”, “I am having a great day”.
And don't forget...
Your mind believes everything you tell it, therefore, by speaking to yourself in a positive and healthy way, you can actually change your life for the better.
Further reading: What are affirmations and how do they work?
