Truth: Self-talk is loud…really loud. Like, it has NO “inside voice” during indoor recess on the fifth straight day of rain. If you’re a teacher, you totally understand that one.
Think about these two questions for a moment:
You planned the most amazing lesson for your observation at school or worked so hard on a presentation at work, and it was a complete disaster. What is your first reaction?
A loved one (spouse, child, sibling, parent, friend – you choose) gave a terrible presentation at work or school and it was a complete disaster. What would you say to them?
This is some food for thought, isn’t it?
And this is also why we must change the way we speak to ourselves. It will take time and effort (not going to lie to you there), but hey…YOU are totally worth it!
You may ask, “What is the relationship between self-talk and self-care?”
Well…
- Positive self-talk is one of the most direct routes to self-care.
- To get to the point where you start to focus on self-care, you have to BELIEVE you’re worth it.
Why is it important to be aware of our self-talk?
- We generally practice caution with how we speak to others, but most of us are pretty unaware of the things we say to ourselves.
How do we fix this?
- Try to become more mindful of your thoughts.
- Recognize the way you speak to yourself.
- Practice stopping negative or unhelpful thoughts as they start, or even before they do.
Now, let’s dig a little deeper…
- Identify negative self-talk traps. You may find yourself in certain situations that increase your self-doubt and lead to negative self-talk. If you can identify these situations or events, you can anticipate and prepare yourself. You can even take it one step further and possibly avoid this situation altogether.
- Check in with your feelings. When those bad days or situations occur – which they most likely will here and there – stop to check in and evaluate your self-talk. Is it becoming negative, and if so, how can you turn it around?
- Surround yourself with positive people. This right here!!! Have you ever noticed how you feel better after spending time with “your tribe?” These are people who accept you and bring out the best in you. And whether or not you notice it, you can absorb the outlook and emotions of people around you. This includes positive AND negative, so choose wisely.
- Boost yourself up with positive affirmations. Sometimes all it takes is SEEING positive words or images to redirect your thoughts. Post small reminders on your computer, your mirror, your car…anywhere you need them! This is a great time to buy some cool Post-Its.
With that, we will be exploring positive affirmations and changing our mindsets a little more in my next post.
But, for now, I am leaving you with a quote from a researcher/author/professor who guides me through so many things:
Teacher-Life-Coach 