Practicing Positive Self-talk
How do you explain things to yourself? With positive self-talk or negative? What we say to ourselves radically affects the quality of our lives, and our ability to do things effectively.
Below are some of the things that positive and negative people say. Look at the difference, and start talking to yourself in constructive ways, if you don't already.
Negative Self-Talk
When negative people explain bad things, they:
- internalize them. ("it’s me again.")
- consider them permanent. ("it’s always this way.")
- generalize. ("Life sucks.")
When negative people explain good things, they:
- externalize them. ("That's just lucky.")
- consider them temporary. ("That went well TODAY.")
- see them only in a specific context. ("At least THIS went right.")
Positive Self-Talk
Conversely, when positive people explain bad things, they:
- externalize them. ("The weather caused it.")
- consider them temporary. ("That was a rough couple hours.")
- see them as isolated. ("THAT part of the plan didn't work, but...")
When positive people explain good things, they:
- internalize them. ("Life is great!")
- consider them to be more or less permanent changes. ("Now I know how to do this.")
- generalize from them. ("Things are working out well.")
Explain things to yourself differently, and you'll see a difference in your attitude today. Make positive self-talk your normal mode of operation, and you'll see a difference in your life.
From "Positive Self Talk - What Should You Say" by Steven Gillman. Read the complete article.
