All of us have experienced the inner critic; the voice that whispers all the reasons that we can’t do something, be something. This voice has a memory like an elephant and when triggered, is delighted to run through a litany of all the times we have felt like a failure or insecure or afraid. The inner critic can paralyze us, run our lives, and cause us to be uncomfortable with new experiences, opportunities and adventures. Isn’t it time to put a muzzle on that voice?
As the beautifully succinct quote from Hafiz says, “The words you speak become the house you live in”. We are the creators of our worlds and speaking our worlds into existence through positive self-talk practice can become our very own super power. Positive self-talk takes time and practice. Think of it like a marathon, we have to re-train the inner critic to become our inner cheerleader.
The benefits of positive self-talk affect our emotional and physical well-being. Focusing on the positive keeps us focused on the present and creates more energy, promotes creative thinking and helps us achieve success.
One of the first steps to creating positive self-talk is to look critically at the inner critic and be aware of when your negative self-talk occurs, so you can re-form the statements.
In high-pressure situations self-talk is often relentless and critical, says Ethan Kross, PhD, Director of the Emotion & Self-Control Laboratory at the University of Michigan. Instead of thinking deliberately and logically, our inner voices are stoked by emotion, and that influences everything from how we talk to ourselves to our behaviors and beliefs, attitudes and habits.
So your first step is to listen critically to what you are saying to yourself — and how you are saying it. When your inner voices start running amok with words of disdain and discouragement, pause the conversation as you consider ways to change it. from Psych Central
A second way to promote more positive self-talk is to go curious in stressful situations. Curiosity opens possibilities: We can get stuck on our own opinions, especially when reinforced by feelings of anger and betrayal. Curiosity allows us to move past the stuck and into the area of possibilities by using a technique called “beginner’s mind”. This is a focus of wonder, of looking at the world like you are seeing it for the first time.
A third tip to reinforce positive self-talk is to shift from what you don’t want to invite what you DO want. What we focus on expands so turn the don’t statements into DO statements. We love the following positive and energizing 14 Mantras from Mind, Body, Green:
- I am capable.
- I know who I am and I am enough.
- I choose to be present in all that I do.
- I choose to think thoughts that serve me well.
- I choose to reach for a better feeling.
- I share my happiness with those around me.
- My body is my vehicle in life; I choose to fill it with goodness.
- I feel energetic and alive.
- My life is unfolding beautifully.
- I am confident.
- I always observe before reacting.
- I know with time and effort I can achieve.
- I love challenges and what I learn from overcoming them.
- Each step is taking me to where I want to be.
As you create mantras for yourself, make sure that they are TRUE. Our inner critic is ready to pounce if we are creating false statements as an effort to just “think happy”. Remember your successes and incorporate them into positive self-talk. State your intentions with clarity and focus. Take action to manifest your positive self-talk in the world.
Most importantly, tell the inner critic and the world that you are changing, evolving and ready to roar!
Fire Power Seminars offers empowerment seminars that expand positive action and promote positive reinforcement for individuals and teams. Follow up your commitment to positive self-talk with positive action. For more information, contact Karen at 954.232.4486 or Karen@FirePowerSeminars.com
Karen PfefferKaren is passionate about sharing powerful programs on communication, empowerment, team building and transformation. With a father from Kansas and a mother from Puerto Rico, Karen has a unique cultural mix that has inspired her to challenge stereotypes and “push the envelope” at every opportunity. She co-founded Fire Power Seminars with Connie Phelan in 2006 to empower individuals, organizations, and companies to achieve more than they ever thought possible.