Why Self-Talk is So Important

Lately, I’ve found myself trying out this new thing of giving myself a mini pep-talk in the morning as I am walking to the subway on my way to work.

Nothing extravagant or over-the-top, not a long speech or monologue. I’m not framing my mindset as if I’m entering battle or as if my life is at stake. I’m also not trying to reassure myself by saying things like, “Don’t worry, everything is going to be okay” or “Just hang in there kid, you’ll get through it”

It’s not that I’m miserable or dreading the day — That’s not why I’m giving myself these pep talks.

Instead, as corny as it seems, I’m saying things like, “You’re going to have an awesome day!” or “You’re going to kick today’s butt!”

Yes, it may seem a little ridiculous and hyper positive and I may sound too much like a motivational poster, but in all honesty, it actually kind of works.

I used to think that talking to yourself made you sound a little crazy — like only weirdos did that — but, really it’s extremely helpful.

I’m not talking about having full blown one-on-one conversations with yourself — That may be a little too much.

I mean, giving yourself some positive reinforcement so that you are setting yourself up for whatever lies ahead of you each day.

I’ve found that self-talk is so important because it’s really just an attitude adjustment.

Whatever you tell yourself each day as you are going through the motions of life is what you are expectant of. It’s what you are anticipating to happen.

And depending on whether it is positive or negative thoughts, that tends to be the outcome you will get.

There was a time, not too long ago, when I used to thrive on my bitterness — But, I didn’t thrive in a good way.

I just got angrier and more bitter. I became somewhat of a “Negative Nancy”, like the world was out to get me (which would be extremely surprising to those who know me well, because I’m usually a very chipper person).

But, there was a time when I was just so frustrated with my situation, I was so annoyed at my life, that I just kept feeding off of my negativity and attracting more negativity — And like a flood, it just kept coming.

That is, up until I finally got too tired of being angry and bitter all the time and I just wanted to be happy.

And guess what happened when I decided that I wanted to be happy?

I finally started being happy.

But, that wasn’t until I intentionally made that choice.

And the thing is, happiness is a choice.

The little things that you do throughout the day, all of those thoughts, all the things that you tell yourself, are ultimately what lead to your happiness (or a lack thereof).

And that’s where self-talk comes into play.

It’s true when they say that you are your own worst enemy. What you tell yourself — whether you say that you can or cannot do something — is the catalyst, it’s the fuel that ignites your actions.

So, be mindful of what you tell yourself. Think about it. Are you fueling your fire or just putting it out?