Practice Positive Self Talk
The way you talk to yourself matters. Your internal dialogue shapes your self image, influences your actions, and impacts your overall well-being. Positive self-talk is a simple yet transformative practice that helps you build self-worth, navigate challenges, and cultivate a kinder relationship with yourself.
Positive self talk requires a concerted effort because we are wired to think negatively. There is a Negativity Bias built into our DNA that has affected us since human life began. In prehistoric times, it was a matter of survival to be on the defensive and to fight for your life. Now, we are swamped by our negative self-talk because of influences such as social media and our tendency to compare ourselves to others.
Many of us are harder on ourselves than we’d ever be with a friend. We replay mistakes, focus on our flaws, and let self-doubt take the lead. But what if you flipped the script? Positive self-talk isn’t about ignoring reality—it’s about choosing words that empower and uplift you to feel strong and confident.
To practice positive self-talk, start by noticing your inner voice. Pay attention to the way you speak to yourself during tough moments. Is it encouraging, or is it overly critical? Awareness is the first step toward change. Oscar Wilde brought this point home when he said, “To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance.”
Next, challenge your negative thoughts with affirming truths. For example, if you catch yourself thinking, “I’m not good enough,” replace it with, “I am doing my best, and that’s enough.” If you’re overwhelmed, try, “I can handle this, one step at a time.” These small shifts create a ripple effect, helping you build confidence and resilience. This might give you some perspective. If you are really tired and you only feel like your tank is about 30 percent full, and you do about 30 percent of what you usually do, guess what? You gave 100 percent!
Positive self-talk also ties closely to self-worth. When you affirm your value and treat yourself with kindness, you strengthen your belief in your abilities and worthiness. It’s not about perfection; it’s about acknowledging your efforts, growth, and potential.
Try this: Stand in front of a mirror and say your affirmations aloud. Use statements like “I am capable of doing great things,” “I am worthy of love and respect,” and “There is no limit to what I can and will achieve.” They will empower you and you can rewire your brain by saying affirmations regularly. It might feel awkward at first, but over time, it reinforces self-compassion and builds your confidence.
There is some good news according to DreamMakerr.com. “85 percent of Americans are making a conscious effort to think positively each morning, according to a new survey.” And there are additional benefits to positive thinking such as living a healthier lifestyle, making better health choices, and people who have a positive mindset found their tolerance for pain increased (i.e., they felt less pain).
Remember, positive self-talk is a habit that takes practice. Start small, be consistent, and watch how your mindset shifts. The more you speak kindly to yourself, the more you’ll believe in your own strength and value. You deserve a voice that uplifts you—let it be your own.
