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Practice Positive Self-Talk

a girl practicing positive self talk in the mirror

Negative self-talk can limit your talents and undermine your confidence by convincing your subconscious that you "can't handle" something or that it is "too difficult" and that you "shouldn't even attempt." Optimistic self-talk, on the other hand, can help cultivate self-compassion, overcome self-doubt, and take on new challenges.

When you start to feel that you don't have a right to speak out in a meeting or that you're too out of shape to work out, remind yourself that your opinions aren't always correct. Then figure out how to change those negative beliefs into more positive self-talk.

Here are a few ideas for dealing with gloomy self-talk. Talk about it and modify your thoughts to be more positive:

  • Rather than telling yourself, "I can't manage this" or "this is impossible," remind yourself, "I can do this" or "all I have to do is try."
  • When you make a mistake, instead of telling yourself, "I can't do anything right," tell yourself, "I can do better next time" or "at least I learnt something."
  • Instead of using such negative words like “I hate public speaking” , use milder words such as "I didn't enjoy it" and remind yourself that everyone has talents and weaknesses.