Conquering Negative Self Talk
Low self-esteem can cause negative self-talk. This can further lower your self-esteem causing a vicious cycle where you continually feel bad about yourself. The good news is that you can change the way you talk to and about yourself. When you conquer negative self-talk, your self-esteem will improve. You’ll gain more self-confidence and you’ll feel more optimistic about your life in general.
If you’re ready to break the cycle of negativity, you need to understand these essential truths.
Actions follow thoughts, so your thoughts are important.
Your actions always begin with your thoughts. If you think that you’re destined to be overweight, then it doesn’t matter how many diet books you buy or how many nutritionists you talk to, you’re still going to be overweight. You’ll stay overweight because you haven’t changed your mindset. You’ve identified the thought that you are that and so you are.
If you want to change your life, you have to change your thoughts first. Instead of thinking that you’re destined to be overweight, flip the script. Say to yourself, ‘I am in control of what I eat and how much I eat’. Instead of thinking you’re over 50 and therefore too old to make changes or have a chance of being fit, say to yourself. ’I can be fit and healthy at my age’ and then – find proof! Doing this changes the story you’re telling yourself. You just went from the victim in this story to the victor. Finding proof, means looking for evidence that it is possible to have what you want. For instance, find examples of women who have amazing fitness for their age. Older athletes or ‘ordinary’ women who have decided that they can do it! If they can do it, so can you!
You don’t have to be carried away by negative thoughts.
You are the only one with the power to change your mental soundtrack. Just because you have a negative thought doesn’t mean you have to listen to it, or, even more importantly, believe it. You have the power to change your focus. Instead of concentrating on the terrible day you had, start thinking about a simple pleasure you’re anticipating like getting to change into your warm pyjamas tonight or hearing your grandsons laughter during a silly bedtime game. By focusing on the positive, you’re teaching yourself to let go of negative thoughts.
Garbage In = Garbage Out
It’s hard to stay positive if you’re constantly consuming negative information. If you really want to change your negative self-talk, then you have to focus on consuming good stuff. You want to read and watch content that lifts you up. Not only will you feel better, but you’ll also notice that your self-talk is more optimistic when you focus on the good.
Practice positive affirmations.
What you say about yourself becomes your truth. That’s why it can be helpful to practice positive affirmations every day. Start by looking in the mirror and telling yourself, ‘Today, I choose to be happy’ or ‘Today, I choose to fully accept myself’. When you speak these thoughts out loud, they’ll begin to affect how you talk to yourself and how you live your life.
Everyone struggles with negative self-talk at some point in their life. The important thing is not to beat yourself up when you realise your thoughts are negative. Accept that you had a negative thought and replace it with a positive one.
Did you know … writing down 3 things you are grateful for, every day for 21 days can change your negative mindset to a positive one?
Wow!
If you want more inspiration to Conquer negative self-talk, download the free workbook. HERE
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If you feel like the joy has been sucked out of your life and want some clarity on how you can get it back, contact me.