Talk to Yourself

Talk to Yourself

Just like in life, or in pursuing a goal or working to accomplish tasks in a project, I found that there are days on the Incline that are just harder than other days.?

Perhaps I didn’t sleep well, maybe I was sore from a workout the day before, possibly there were poor weather conditions or some other factor that just made that day more difficult.?

I have previously discussed several mechanisms or techniques to power through those types of days: such as “Go with a Friend” or “Give (and receive) Encouragement.”?Believe me, I personally practice all of my Lessons from the Incline, especially when I am struggling.

However, one day (there have been more than one), I found myself on the Incline really struggling and I wanted to quit. I was hiking alone; there were very few other Incliners hiking that day. I wanted to turn around where I was and just go back down.?

Nobody would ever know.

But I would know.

Consistency brought me to the foot of the Incline, but it would take a bit of motivation to get me to the top.

That’s when I started talking to myself.

I have a background in psychology, so I know the power of self-talk, and I realize that we always have an internal dialogue going on in our head (if you just said, “No I don’t” that’s it). But that day I started deliberately talking to myself.

I would like to say that I followed the psychological principles of positive self-talk and only said encouraging words and sentences such as:

“I am strong and capable of doing this.” Or “I am focused and determined to succeed.”?

I remember telling myself, “This is what I love about the Incline—the struggle.” And “Come on, Jamie, you can do this.”

But suddenly, my inner voice kicked into drill sergeant mode and started yelling at me, calling me names and accusing me of being a lazy quitter.?I realize that for some, this is an example of negative self-talk and exactly the type of inner dialogue that is harmful, the type of self-talk that you want to avoid. But for me, with my military background, that voice was pretty motivating. I didn’t turn around. I didn’t quit. I self-talked myself to the summit.

There are many well-documented benefits of positive self-talk. I found these three to be particular useful for me:

1. It boosts motivation. Self-talk can help boost motivation and keep you focused on the task at hand. By using positive self-talk, you can encourage yourself to push through difficult moments and stay committed to completing the challenge.

2. It enhances confidence. Positive self-talk can also enhance your confidence and belief in your abilities. By reminding yourself of your past successes and strengths, you can build a sense of self-assurance that will help you tackle the challenge with greater ease.

3. It controls anxiety. Self-talk can also be used to control anxiety or nervousness before and during the challenge. By using calming self-talk phrases, you can help alleviate any stress or anxiety you may be feeling, which can improve your performance.

Self-talk, of course, can take other forms. It can be a note to yourself on your mirror or refrigerator. It can be something that you say over and over to yourself in order to achieve a desired outcome. Or it could be a quote that motivates you.?Do whatever works for you.

Philippians 4:8?Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things

Proverbs 23:7a For as a man thinks in his heart so is he.

Personal Reflection:

What does self-talk look like for you?

When do you deliberately engage in self-talk?

Is your self-talk encouraging, instructive or berating??

For more Life Lessons like this, check out my book, “Lessons from the Incline” available here:?https://lnkd.in/gwma-ptF