Positive self-talk allows you to recognize, validate, and apply your full potential with respect to all that you are, and do. Also called affirmations (to make something firm), positive self-talk serves as your own personal accomplishment scale. Below are some tips for positive self-talk:
- Use the present tense; deal with what exists today.
- Be positive – rather than affirming what you don’t want.
- Remain personal; self-talk must relate to you and you only.
- Keep sentences short and simple.
- Go with your gut. If it “clicks”, then just say it. Self-talk should feel positive, expanding, freeing, and supporting.
- Focus on new things, rather than changing what is.
- Act “as if”; give yourself permission to believe the idea is true right now.
If self-talk is new to you, it is a good idea to first think about the things that are wonderful about you, such as:
- I have someone I love, and we enjoy spending time together
- I am a mother or father, fulfilled in this role
- My career is challenging and fulfilling.
- When I learn something new, I feel proud.
- I am worthwhile because I breathe and feel; I am aware.
- When I feel pain, I love, I try to survive. I am a good person.