Exploring 7 Ways to Start Practicing Positive Self Talk

How often do you talk to yourself out loud, or in public? I’m sure it would fail in comparison to the ongoing inner dialogue running through your head 24 hours a day.

The way we talk to ourselves is so important yet easily overlooked and that’s why we need to become more observant to this inner chatter. Self talk can significantly impact our overall well-being, self-esteem, and success. Negative self talk can lead to self-doubt, anxiety, and even depression while practicing positive self talk can cultivate resilience, improve confidence, and create a happier outlook on life.

Practicing positive self-talk is a powerful tool that can help you overcome challenges, achieve your goals, and improve your mental health.

Why You Should Consider Practicing Positive Self Talk

What is one thing that most successful people have in common? It’s their ability to train their thoughts to be more constructive, resilient and positive. This is mostly done through affirmations which work by repeating positive statements until your subconscious accepts it as true. It’s been written about in books such as “What to Say When You Talk To Yourself” that the inner dialogue that runs through our mind on autopilot may be hurting us rather than empowering us. It’s through the small changes we make to alter the dialogue to be more in our favor that can enhance our quality of life and essentially “re-program” our computer-like brains to develop healthy mindsets.

It doesn’t matter who you are, how you were raised, or your age. You can start to re-program your mental chatter to support you. Here are seven effective ways to cultivate a positive inner dialogue and transform the way you speak to yourself.

1. Become an Observer of Your Thoughts

The first step in practicing positive self-talk is to become aware of your thoughts. Often, these thoughts are automatic and go unnoticed, but they can have a profound effect on your mood and behavior. Start by paying attention to your inner dialogue and identifying when you have any negative or self-critical thoughts.

Once you’ve identified these negative thoughts, challenge their validity. Ask yourself if there is any evidence to support them or if you are being overly critical. This may require that you exercise more self-compassion, which involves being more supportive instead of critical of yourself. Over time, you can begin to practice replacing negative thoughts with more balanced and constructive statements.

Example: If you catch yourself thinking, “I always mess up,” challenge this thought by reminding yourself of times when you succeeded. Replace it with a positive affirmation like, “I have made mistakes in the past, but I have also achieved many things.”

2. Use Affirmations

Affirmations are positive statements that are repeated over time and can help you reprogram old thought patterns, negative beliefs, and self-doubt. By repeating affirmations regularly and with intention, you can start to reprogram your mind to focus on the positive aspects of yourself and your life. Choose affirmations that resonate with you and reflect the qualities you want to cultivate.

Examples of Affirmations:

• “I am deserving and worthy.”
• “I am grateful for all of my blessings.”
• “I am loved and appreciated.”

Incorporate these affirmations into your daily routine. Say them aloud in front of a mirror, write them down, or set reminders on your phone to repeat them throughout the day – and remember to say them with intention!

3. Practice Gratitude

Gratitude is a powerful antidote to negative self-talk. When you focus on what you are grateful for, it shifts your attention away from what you perceive as lacking or negative in your life. This is by no means an easy thing to do, especially when you’re going through a hard time.

Try to develop a routine where upon waking up you jot down or say out loud three things you’re grateful for. These can be big or small things, such as a supportive friend, a delicious meal, or the weather. By regularly practicing gratitude, you train your brain to appreciate all the good you currently have, which can enhance your overall sense of well-being and shift your perspective to abundance.

4. Surround Yourself with Positive Influences

The people you spend time with can greatly influence your self-talk. Surround yourself with supportive and positive individuals who uplift and encourage you. Avoid those who are overly critical or negative, as their attitudes can rub off on you and reinforce your negative self-talk.

Additionally, seek out positive influences in other areas of your life. Read books, listen to podcasts, and follow social media accounts that resonate with you. By immersing yourself in content and people that operate on a high frequency, not only will it rub off on you but you’ll begin to create an environment that supports your efforts to practice positive self-talk.

5. Practice Self-Compassion

Self-compassion involves treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer to a friend. When you make a mistake or face a setback, instead of being harsh and critical, try to respond with empathy and support.

Recognize that everyone makes mistakes and experiences challenges; it’s a part of being human. Instead of dwelling on your perceived failures, focus on what you can learn from the experience and how you can grow. Practice self-compassion by using gentle and reassuring language with yourself.

Example: If you fail a test, instead of saying, “I’m so stupid,” try saying, “I didn’t do as well as I hoped, but I can study harder and improve next time.”

6. Visualize Success

Visualization is a powerful technique that can help you practice positive self-talk and achieve your goals. By imagining yourself succeeding, you can build confidence and reduce anxiety. Visualization helps you create a mental image of what you want to achieve and reinforces your belief in your ability to succeed.

Take a few minutes each day to visualize your goals and imagine yourself achieving them. Picture the steps you need to take and the positive outcomes you desire. As you visualize, use positive and encouraging language to reinforce your belief in your ability to succeed.

Example: If you have a big presentation coming up, visualize yourself delivering it confidently and receiving positive feedback. Tell yourself, “I am prepared and confident. I will do well.”

7. Replace “Should” with “Could”

The word “should” often carries a sense of obligation and can lead to feelings of guilt and frustration when you don’t meet your own or others’ expectations. Replacing “should” with “could” can help you take a more compassionate and empowering approach to your self-talk.

“Could” implies possibility and choice, which can make you feel more in control and less pressured. It encourages a growth mindset and allows you to explore different options without the burden of unrealistic expectations.

Example: Instead of saying, “I should exercise more,” try saying, “I could exercise more to improve my health and feel better.”

Conclusion

Practicing positive self talk is a powerful way to improve your mental and emotional well-being. By identifying and challenging negative thoughts, using affirmations, practicing gratitude, surrounding yourself with positive influences, practicing self-compassion, visualizing success, and replacing “should” with “could,” you can cultivate a more positive and supportive inner dialogue.

Remember, how you talk to yourself matters, and with consistent practice, you can transform your self-talk and enhance your overall quality of life. Start implementing these strategies today and experience the benefits of a more positive and empowered mindset.