Positive Self Talk - What Should You Say?

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. How useful is it to always tell yourself "impossible," "more problems," "never," and "I can't?"

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."), and generalize ("Life sucks."). When they explain good things, they externalize them ("That's just lucky."), consider them temporary ("That went well TODAY."), and see them only in a specific context ("At least THIS went right.").

"I screwed up again."

"This good weather won't last."

"It's ALWAYS a mess when I meet someone new."

"This party is great, not like mine."

"This is fun for now."

"Well, THAT went okay, I guess."

Positive Self Talk

When positive people explain bad things, they externalize them ("The weather caused it."), consider them temporary ("That was a rough couple hours."), and see them as isolated ("THAT part of the plan didn't work, but..."). When they 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."), and generalize from them ("Things are working out well.").

"That just went bad due to the weather."

"It was rough for an hour or two."

"The car broke down, but the trip was fun."

"I've done well with this."

"This has become a great business to be in."

"I like the way things are going."

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.

Steve Gillman writes on many topics including brainpower, weight loss, meditation, habits of mind, creative problem solving, generating luck and anything related to self improvement. Learn more and get FREE e-courses at http://www.SelfImprovementNow.com

---

Harness The Power Of Words In Your Life

Speaking comes to most people as naturally as breathing. On... Read More

Does Lack of Confidence Stop You?

Ever had the sense that there is more to life... Read More

My Sunshine

"You Are My Sunshine My Only Sunshine You Make Me... Read More

Positive Changes Achieved by Exercising Mind, Body & Spirit

My story explains the struggles I had as a 23-year-old... Read More

Heal and Release the Past

I had a completely different idea for my main article... Read More

Star Wars the POSITIVE Effect !

In many ways the Star War movies are simply a... Read More

How You Treat People Matters

I encountered several interesting people that really taught me something.... Read More

Moving? Pack an Emotional First Aid Kit

From Making the Big Move: how to transform relocation into... Read More

Anger And Your Health

HOW YOUR OUTLOOK INFLUENCES HEALTH AND ABILITY TO CONTROL ANGERJane... Read More

Be Thankful for What You Have Got

Did you know that the 911 equivalent in the UK... Read More

Finding Meaning in Life: Three Steps

So how do we find meaning? The first step is... Read More

Quick Fixes: Happiness In A Bottle

This is the age of the Quick Fix - the... Read More

Winners vs Whiners

It started out as a windy, rainy day. A tropical... Read More

What Should You Be Committed To?

There are many dynamics that go into making a great... Read More

New Attitudes-New Possibilities

I AM SO GRATEFUL for meeting challenges head-on. We see... Read More

Enlarge Your Vision

Millions struggle through life barely earning enough to survive. Many... Read More

Believe It Or Not

I am often astounded at what and why people believe... Read More

Need A Miracle? Build One, Everyday!

Henry Ford, after he had achieved great success, was the... Read More

Garbage Words In - Garbage Thinking Out

"At birth, a baby's brain contains 100 billion neurons, roughly... Read More

Personal Assignments for Great Self-Esteem

Do you wish you had high self-confidence? Some of us... Read More

Anger: The Power is On!

When you feel lost and confused, it is easy to... Read More

Lets Get to the Bottom of Low Self-Esteem

If you suffer from low self-esteem, it's because you don't... Read More

The Use of Affirmations

What is an affirmation? One possible definition is a specific... Read More

What Every Employee Should Know About Looking Beyond His Attitude

Our attitude makes seems to control just about everything about... Read More

Spring Into Enchantment

Who can control a smile sneaking across your face as... Read More

Free Tips To Increase Self-Esteem

I have had many confidence issues in my life, all... Read More

Optimism, the Only Option for Success

People with negative attitudes may wonder why they never achieve... Read More

Find Your Inner Strength to Tackle Any Challenge

Everyone faces challenges during their life, from suffering the death... Read More

Success or Failure: How to Cope With Failure

There is no such thing as failure ? only feedback... Read More

Growth From Discontent: Lifes Way Of Giving You A Little Push

That strange, gut-wrenching feeling you have is not the sushi... Read More

Accepting Change

Well I've finally done it...I turned my heat on. After... Read More

Why Motivational Posters Arent Cheesy!

I don't want to say people are basically negative but?..if... Read More

Watch Your Mouth

Ever had one of those mothers, or grandmothers, who would... Read More