The Power Of Positive Self-Talk

  By Jack Kelly

Many of us have been isolated over the last nine months. We’ve worked remotely, stayed indoors and avoided large gatherings. There are many people who’ve been by themselves with little or no human interactions for long stretches of time. 

Spending too much time alone can be deleterious to your mental health. Without anyone around, it's easy to ruminate too much about perceived problems and spiral into negative, defeatist self-talk.  

If you’re unfamiliar with the concept, self-talk is your inner dialogue, influenced by your subconscious mind. This running monologue can be good, bad or debilitating. Sometimes the voice is boring and mundane, “The forecast called for rain so I have to remember to bring an umbrella before I leave the house.” It could also be hyper-critical “I'll never find my soulmate,” and “I’m stuck in this dead-end, go-nowhere job!” It's sad how hurtful and destructive our own inner voice is. We’d never talk to someone else the same way we talk to ourselves.  

To succeed in your career you have to be positive in the face of rejection and adversity. It’s hard to break habits that could be twenty or thirty years in the making. You first must acknowledge that you need to change your inner dialogue. You can think and self-talk your way to success.

Slowly and surely you could replace any negative thoughts with positive self-affirmations. Think of all the things that you’re good at. Replay in your mind all your past accomplishments, both big and small. 

When a doubt or fear enters your head, immediately acknowledge it, then replace the thought with something positive. You should focus on being grateful for what you have. Think about all your good fortunes and the people who love and care about you. Stop comparing yourself to others.

Use uplifting language when you speak with people. Keep things in perspective. Take a moment between a thought and how you process it and react. Separate the jumble of thoughts so they don't seem like an avalanche. Remain rational and don't panic. Look for the positives. Focus on the present moment and not the future or the past. When stressed, take deep breaths. Use mantras and find distractions like workouts and exercise.  

Here are some examples of positive self-talk which will help you achieve career success.

“I am courageous, strong, motivated, enthusiastic and confident.”

“I’m committed and focused to doing whatever it takes to find a better job.”

"I will get that promotion!"

“I will get that great new job.”

“I’m grateful for what I have and will accomplish amazing things in my career.”

“I accept the things that I can’t change and will change the things I can.”

"I will find a way to better my situation at work.”

“My family and friends are rooting for me to succeed.”

Pushing back on negativity and replacing it with positive thoughts will make you more optimistic, energetic and resilient. This enhanced mindset will greatly improve your job, career and life.  

People who master positive self-talk become more confident, motivated and productive. They believe in themselves. They’re not weighed down by negativity, plagued by the past and are less fearful of the future.