MAKING YOUR POINT:
Sometimes, the person who REALLY needs to listen to you is YOU. That voice inside your head has a huge impact on how you live your life.
The positive psychology movement is showing that 'self talk' - that is, thoughts and words we say to ourselves about ourselves - can actually begin to 're-wire' our brains. Why not make that 'self-talk'
positive?
Most people focus on what they want less of (I want less stress, anxiety, tension, rejection...) but the shift comes in naming what we
do want (I want more calm, ease, courage, happiness...). It takes practice, and might seem ridiculous at first, but it works! Here is how to get started:
Step 1) Learn to catch yourself when you have negative thoughts and internal "chatter" about yourself (i.e., "I can't do that." "I'm not good enough." "That is too hard for me." "I always forget things." "I am so slow.")
Step 2) When "negative self talk" happens, simply remind yourself to switch on "positive self-talk." Here are a few things you can say to yourself:
- I am capable.
- I can be happy even when things don't go as planned.
- I am confident.
- With time and effort, I can achieve great things.
- I love challenges and learn when I overcome them.
- Each step is taking me closer to where I want to be.
- I learn from the mistakes I make.
Step 3) Try adding opportunities for positive thinking by putting reminders where you need them most: a post-it note on the bathroom mirror, or on your computer screen; a note tucked inside your wallet, or a reminder on your cell phone.
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