Flipping the Script on Self-Talk

Have you ever tried to break a bad habit? Not easy, is it?

Many of our clients come to us with a bad habit that we want to break immediately. That habit can be a major barrier to them in achieving the success they desire.

Can you guess what it is?

It’s the habit of negative self-talk.

Maybe you are familiar with it. That little voice inside that says, “I’m not enough,” or “We’ll never meet that goal.” It can become almost automatic, finding its way into your thoughts despite the confident face you put on for the world. Self-talk can influence self-esteem, outlook, energy level, performance, and relationships with others – all essential components of success in business and in life.

Many of us are our own biggest naysayers. Our own internal criticism and self-doubt rings louder in our ears than anything said by anyone else.

In countering negative self-talk, we work with our clients to reframe their thinking and substitute a more positive internal conversation.

For example: Instead of focusing on problems, look for solutions.

Rather than viewing things in the extreme – success or failure – look for the middle ground.

Focus on what you might do, can do, or will do in the future, rather than rehashing what you “shoulda, woulda, coulda” done today.

Avoid the comparison monster. Instead, keep your eyes on your own goals and standards.

Don’t let your negative self-talk go unchallenged. Consciously counter those self-critical and self-defeating messages with positive affirmations and clear perspective.

According to Harvard Business Review, it takes an average of five positive messages to counteract or contradict one negative message. The good news is that it IS possible for the positive messages to become your habit with sufficient practice.

Just think of the positive momentum you can generate when you get all of that negative self-talk out of your head!