The Importance of Self-Talk

Self-talk is a critical part of the human experience. We all talk to ourselves, and if you find that you are not talking to yourself, ask someone to call an ambulance. Self-talk is a window into our beliefs, our presumed limitations, and our possibilities.

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I teach clients how to be aware of their self-talk and to practice the power of changing it. Some people tell me they cannot change their self-talk. I remind them that what they say to themselves now is very different than when they were much younger. As we develop, our self-talk matures. I know this from my own experience.

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Clients tell me how grateful they are that they've learned to be more positive in the way they talk to themselves. One of my clients was telling me how his inner voice has held him hostage in his leadership of others. I suggested he start to write a journal, because often when you express yourself in writing, it gives you more perspective. You can judge whether your self-talk is productive.

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Many people reflexively use past based thinking rather than examining their current circumstances. It’s important to develop self-talk that helps us be in the present moment so we can visualize what’s truly possible.

Tom Drucker MA, ABD is a founding partner of Consultants in Corporate Innovation, transforming leaders and teams plus improving processes in companies big and small. Learn more about him at corporate-innovation.com.