Self talk is something we all do. We are always explaining
things to ourselves, and making comments to ourselves. The
question is, what are we saying? What we say to ourselves
radically affects the quality of our lives, and our ability to
do things effectively.
Are you using positive self-talk or negative self-talk? Below
are some of the things that positive and negative people say.
Look at the difference, and start talking to yourself in more
constructive ways, if you don't already.
Positive Self Talk
Positive people explain bad things by externalizing them ("The
weather caused it."). They consider them temporary ("That was a
rough couple hours."). They see them as isolated ("THAT part of
the plan didn't work, but..."). When they explain good things,
they internalize them ("Life is great!"), consider them to be
more or less permanent changes ("Now I know how to do this."),
and generalize from them ("Things are working out well.").
"I've done well with this."
"This has become a great business to be in."
"I like the way things are going."
"That just went bad due to the weather."
"It was rough for an hour or two."
"The car broke down, but the trip was fun."
Negative Self Talk
Negative people explain bad things by internalizing them ("It's
me again."). They consider them permanent ("It's always this
way."). They generalize ("Life sucks."). When they explain good
things, they externalize them ("That's just lucky."), consider
them temporary ("That went well TODAY."), and see them only in a
specific context ("At least THIS went right.").
"It's ALWAYS a mess when I meet someone new."
"This party is great, not like mine."
"This is fun for now."
"Well, THAT went okay, I guess."
"I screwed up again."
"This good weather won't last."
If you start explain things to yourself differently, you'll see
a difference in your attitude today. Make positive self talk
your normal mode of operation, and you'll see a difference in
your life. One of the fastest ways to change your experience of
life is to change your self talk.
About the author:
Steve Gillman writes on many topics including brainpower, weight
loss, meditation, habits of mind, creative problem solving,
generating luck and anything related to self improvement. Learn
more and get FREE e-courses at
http://www.SelfImproveme
ntNow.com