By: Sydney Shea, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences Well-Being Leader

Have you ever caught yourself saying something along the lines of “I’ll never be able to get this right” or “I’m such an idiot”? I’m sure we all have. But, have you ever considered just how much these phrases we casually throw at ourselves actually shape our reality? What if instead of feeding into your negative thoughts, you flipped the script and started telling yourself, “I’ve got this!” or “I’m totally capable of figuring this out”? 

The words you say to yourself are the seeds of your life – plant bad seeds and you will be full of insecurities and self doubt, but plant good seeds, and you will start blooming.  

What is Self-Talk?

Self-talk is both the internal and external dialogue we have with ourselves every day. When we consciously choose to speak to ourselves in an uplifting and positive way, it can help change our outlook on ourselves and boost our confidence, creating a happier reality.  

The problem with negative self-talk is that it can manifest negativity into your life. If you constantly tell yourself that you’re not good enough, you will eventually begin to believe it, which limits your confidence and reinforces negative beliefs about yourself. 

Why It Works 

Your brain believes what you tell it repeatedly. It might sound a bit crazy, but there is science to back this up. Scientists refer to the brain’s ability to change as  “neuroplasticity,” meaning you can form new patterns in your brain if you keep thinking a certain way. Basically, there is scientific proof for the phrase “fake it till you make it.” 

To learn more about this mechanism, read this article: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1469029208000642

Incorporating Positive Self-Talk Into Your Daily Life

Incorporating positive self-talk into your daily life is much easier than you might think. 

Something I personally found helpful when getting started was daily affirmations. For example, try to begin every morning with something as simple as a smile in the mirror and a statement like “I can do this”, “I am capable”, or “Todays gonna be a good day.” Doing this can help set the tone for your day and allows you to leave the door with a clear mind. 

At first, you might feel a little silly, but, as you keep doing this, it becomes a part of your morning routine and you won’t even think twice about it. 

If you want to get further into affirmations, look into affirmation decks! You can purchase them online or in bookstores. They are a simple, yet powerful tool for building a positive mindset. You can pick a card from the deck every day, each with a different written affirmation on it. These cards can provide you with daily reminders to stay calm, confident, and positive.

You can even make your own affirmation cards by looking up some affirmations online and making your own cards! Get crafty with it! 

As you start your own journey with positive self-talk, don’t forget to do what works best for you! Remember, small steps are better than staying still.

All love,

Sydney