Self-talk is the constant dialogue we have with ourselves. Some whisper to themselves, while others only think to themselves. Both are normal, but this self-dialogue is critical to our performance.
Self-talk is a simple and powerful tool that can significantly affect your performance both positively AND NEGATIVELY.
Self-talk creates an unconscious “operating system” that runs in the background that we typically don’t even realize. Just like a computer’s operating system, self-talk continuously influences our thought patterns, shapes our performance and behavior in all aspects of life, and most importantly, creates and reinforces our belief system. The more frequently we talk to ourselves, the more we reinforce this cycle, and the more likely it becomes our reality.
A ‘healthy operating system” keeps us running smoothly and in a neutral to positive manner. A “negative operating system” makes us vulnerable to “viruses” and hinders all aspects of our life.
Learn how to leverage this inner chatter to achieve optimal performance.
You are going to talk to yourself, or at least think to yourself anyway, so it may as well be positive. By itself, positive self-talk won’t win any championships or close any contracts, but coupled with commitment and hard work, you are more likely to achieve your potential with positive self-talk than with negative self-chatter.
Like mindsets, you can’t allow others to program your self-chatter. How you talk to yourself is important and your responsibility, not somebody else’s. Don’t abdicate this critical responsibility to others allowing them to shape your beliefs about yourself and your capabilities. Don’t allow anyone to control your self-image. It is too important and impactful.
If your inner dialogue is negatively oriented, you can use self-talk to reprogram previously installed operating systems. Changing your operating system is hard work, takes time, but possible.
Are you ready to learn how to apply one of the most elementary and powerful mental skills available? The choice is yours. Continue to allow your negative internal chatter to hinder your performance or learn how to channel and redirect your inner dialogue to help yourself or your team achieve optimal performance.
Are you ready to make a change?