What is Self Talk?

Self talk is a tool that provides us insight to our beliefs. It is also an incredible asset to ponder within ourselves for understanding, growth, and enrichment. It brings us more positive personal growth as it makes us realise to acknowledge how our inner dialogue shapes us and to use our own knowledge as means to reach our desired goals.

Self-talk can be a surprisingly powerful tool. Our natural outlook and the way we address ourselves have an immense impact on how we experience life; making our success, happiness and resilience dependent upon it! The way we perceive things and how we address ourselves have a significant effect on how we experience life as a whole, our successes, and happiness. This can be improved by a positive outlook and a positive inner voice as we will always be able to see the silver lining in every adversity that comes across us. A positive mental state will obviously pave its own way towards a healthier future.

Recognising negative thoughts and replacing them with positive ones is the first step towards boosting both your physical and mental health. The journey of self-improvement also relies on your outlook in life.

What are the benefits of Self Talk?

Although experts are still unsure the exact reason why people who enjoy more advantageous results are often those who have a positive outlook in life, research suggests that it is due to their enhanced mental aptitudes. They can minimisr harmful responses to situations such as anxiety and fear due to their greater capacity to identify and confront situations and provide solutions.

According to Sigmund Freud, self-talk has two components, conscious and unconscious thought. How we act in day-to-day environments are influenced by these unconscious thoughts (Cherry, 2019). Thus, our attitudes may be controlled if me carefully monitor our inner dialogue and engage in self-reflection which will result to a constructive outlook towards life.

What is the process?

The four common categories for inner dialogue consisting of rumination, personalisation, catastrophizing, and should statements should be recognised to be able to navigate through them effectively.

-Taking responsibility for everything is self blame
-Magnifying refers to becoming laser-focused on the downsides of the situation. It is common to do so but the positives should also be recognised as well
-Catastrophizing results to the clouding of judgement due to the fear of the worst possible outcome before considering realistic alternatives
-Polarized thinking only views life as a dichotomy, failing to consider that there may be more than two options to a situation

It takes dedication and effort to turn over pessimistic thoughts to positive one. However, perseverance will make this possible as long as one stays committed to the cause and have hope that everything will get better through time. Having a more positive outlook in life brings us:

1.Reduced stress levels
An optimistic outlook can give individuals the capability to respond positively in challenging circumstances through its focus on positive self-talk and active coping strategies (Iwanaga et al., 2004). This also links optimism to utilising more proactive responses when facing difficult situations.

In times of turmoil, self-belief can be your strongest ally. Embrace whatever result come through life as you can already have the confidence to face whatever is thrown at you.

2. Enhanced Self-Assurance and Adaptability
According to Lyubormisky in 2008, research suggests that those who have a higher degree of assurance and positivity gains advantages when setting and achieving goals such as in school and even surgeries. Thus, confidence may also be boosted exponentially by empowering yourself with uplifting self-talk.

Believing in your capabilities and motivating yourself to unlock your potential through a focused attitude, you will be able to pass through any barrier that stands on your way.

3. Enhanced Relationship Building
According to Assad, Dennellan, and Conger (2012), greater success stories are observed to couples who tend to cooperate on another and exude strong sense of confidence and optimism. These people are also those who appreciate great quality to those around them and are people who also see the best within themselves.

What is the best way to use this every day?

Negativity can often be a natural inclination, but with practice and dedication you can learn to transform your inner dialogue into one that is more optimistic. Re-framing negative self talk in a positive light helps foster an internal environment of motivation and inspiration – make the switch today!With practice and dedication you can reframe negative self-talk into a positive one. This fosters an internal environment of motivation and inspiration and prevent negativity from affecting your performance. Doing so is definitely a challenge, but we guarantee that it will be worth the effort.

-Unfamiliar scenarios such as work gatherings can trigger uncomfortable self-talk. Knowing your triggers can help you prepare for them and keep negative thoughts to a minimum through ample preparation.
-Consider the tone of your inner dialogue and try to observe if it has become toxic. If so, try to transform this attitude into something more positive. Providing yourself time to internalize your thoughts also helps them to balance out.
-Some say that laughter is the best medicine, and we agree! Surround yourself with some light humour according to your preference and observe how it lifts your spirits and relieve stress.
-Keeping yourself company together with people with positive outlooks also benefit you greatly. Our mood also improves when we are constantly exposed to optimism and cheerfulness
-Develop the habit of cheering yourself up. Provide yourself with words of encouragement every now and then to improve self-confidence and observe your motivation shoot up.

When is the best time to ask for help?
Now is always the best time to practice positive self-talk. Yes, it requires effort but the results will always be worth it. Over time you will notice the difference of having an improved well-being and higher quality of life.

You are always in control of your thoughts. Begin to reprogram them to be more optimistic and avoid negative self-thought. Practice it over time and it will definitely become easier. And if you still struggle to do so, nothing’s wrong with seeking professional help. They will be able to help you with personalised strategies with the goal being for you to get started and look at life with a more positive outlook.