The Impact of Positive Self-Talk
Self-talk is when a person is talking to oneself aloud or silent, positive or negative. It’s the constant conversation we are having with ourselves each day. It’s our internal monologue. How you talk to yourself forms the basis for your self-esteem, self-confidence, and how you think about yourself.
Often, we are our own biggest critics, when we should be our own biggest supporter. Think of the support that you give to your best friends, close family members, or other people that you love and respect. This is how we should treat ourselves, with love and respect.
This is easier said than done, but it’s important that we work to speak kindly to ourselves. Try to really pay close attention to what you are telling yourself for a few hours of your day. What types of things are you telling yourself? Do you tell yourself that you are unable to do something? Do you prevent yourself from trying new things? Do you second guess your talents and abilities? Do you tear yourself down? These are examples of negative self-talk, and can dramatically impact our confidence and keep us from becoming our authentic selves.
Try redirecting your thoughts when you notice yourself telling yourself these things into positive statements. Take a few minutes to list the things you like about yourself or the things that you consider to be your strengths.
Negative self-talk is normal, and a lot of people experience it. However, you have the power to choose to redirect your internal monologue to be positive, and it is important to make the conscious effort to have positive self-talk. Practicing positive self-talk can help to make it a regular habit.
Everyone deserves love and compassion, and it has to start with from ourselves.
In the Rock Digi curriculum, we give students some tools to create positive self-talk within themselves and provide examples of positive self-talk such as:
I am capable.
I am intelligent.
I am valued.
I am creative.
I am powerful.
I am excited about my future!
Below is a sample clip from one of our lessons that talks about self-talk from our SEL and Life Skills for Success curriculum for grades 5-6. More info can be found at rockdigi.org