#30 5 Self-Talk Strategies To Boost You Forward

Our self-talk is the creator of our universe.  It is the voice of our heart, mind, and soul, and reflects our perceptions of the world, of others, and of ourselves.  It guides us, criticizes us, supports us, and impacts our decisions. Our "inner voice" often influences our moods and determines if we are happy, sad, relaxed, worried, optimistic, or helpless. Because self-talk is the "voice" we hear most, it has more influence on us and can impact our future more than anything else.

It's estimated that 80% of what the average person says to him/herself is harmful, pessimistic, and undermining.

Ask yourself and consider

• Are you willing to easily accept less than perfection from yourself?
  • Do you give yourself permission to do less than 100%?
• What do you say to yourself when you make a mistake? Do you give yourself a hard time?
  • How can you be more compassionate with yourself?
• Is "should" one of the most prominent words in your vocabulary? Do you hear yourself often saying, "I should be working", "I should go on a diet", "I should get that done", etc?  
  • Stop should-ing on yourself!
• Do you compliment yourself when you look in the mirror?
  • What are some lovely things you can say to yourself, even on your worst day?
• Do you give yourself praise for your accomplishments?
  • Don't wait for someone else to pat you on the back.  Know you are already enough. Go out and buy yourself flowers.  Don't wait for someone to do it for you.  Show yourself that YOU love YOU!
• Are you uncomfortable accepting compliments? Do you brush off the compliment and say something negative about yourself or give credit to someone else?
  • Just smile and say, 'Thank you."
• Do you ever say things to yourself that you would never say to a friend because it would hurt his/her feelings?
  • Speak to yourself the same way you speak to those whom you hold very near and dear to your heart.  You deserve nothing less.
• Do you ever hear words of a critical parent, family member, teacher, or boss come out of your mouth- directed to yourself?
  • Don't beat yourself up.  Start again.  Apologize to yourself and take a moment to think of something kind and loving to say.

Self-Talk Strategies

1. Before reacting to the ONE thing you did not do correctly, remember the times you have been stellar today.
2. If you "hear" a negative internal message about yourself, stop and provide a positive statement.
3. Dropped the ball?  Let it go. Remind yourself of your true value and potential and move on.
4. Every time you give someone a compliment, give yourself one too!
5. Be patient.  You're reprogramming your mind.  It takes time, but if you persist, you will be living in a new reality.  A truer reality that is not made for you but by you.

Shift work

Choose an affirmation or two that works for you and write or type it up on beautiful pieces of paper.  Place the affirmations in areas around your home and/or workspace to act as constant reminders for you.  

I type mine up and trifold the paper into a tent and then place the tent on my bathroom sink and look at it every morning while getting ready.

I've even gone so far as to laminate some and hang them in the shower for my kids if I felt they needed a little help. Of course, they thought I was nuts, but it is never too soon to teach your kids how to help themselves.

Weekly Self-Talk Planner Worksheet