I remember it like it was yesterday, mainly because it was yesterday. I’m standing in my living room rocking side to side with Charlene Johnson (the Turbo Jam lady) trying to work off some of the BBQ from the Fourth. About 7 minutes in I’m feeling like I’m about to pass out. I admit it has been a while since I really worked out (okay a couple of weeks months, don’t judge). So there I am, barely pass the warm-up, huffing and sweating when the thought of giving up popped into my mind. I’ll be honest, I have a love/hate relationship with working out. I love the way I feel afterward but I hate actually doing it. So naturally, I have to constantly check my self-talk because things can get a little negative. You can relate, right? Those negative thoughts that say you can’t, you’re too tired, you’re too weak. UGH!
Managing Self Talk To Build Confidence
Negative self-talk is a nasty little troll. It picks at your insecurities and tortures your confidence. Whereas, positive self-talk is encouraging, motivating, and uplifting. We all have both types of self-talk, it’s just human nature. However, folks with higher levels of self-worth and confidence have mastered how to manage their self-talk to build confidence. Managing being the key word here because negative self-talk can’t be fully eliminated.
So by now you’re thinking, sounds good but how the hell do I accomplish this? It starts with stopping the thought as soon as you become aware of it. Then replace it you a positive statement. For example, about midway through my workout I started thinking “Shit, I’m tired” and then I started half-assing my workout. Once, I realized this thought, I immediately told myself that I was not tired and I was going to finish this workout. I actually said this out loud. Repeatedly, with no cares given about who heard me.
Now that you know how to react to negative self-talk when they occur, let’s make a proactive plan to decrease negative self-talk altogether. I like to start with positive quotes. I frame them as artwork, save them on my desktop and my phone. Then I keep a list of positive affirmations to state everyday.
So what are positive affirmations? They are simply “I” statements you use to uplift yourself and manifest positivity into your life. For instance, “I am becoming more confident everyday and in every way” or “I am smart, beautiful, and in control of my thoughts.” I find it best to say and write your affirmation repeatedly throughout the day. This will help train your thoughts and empower you to take action.
[clickToTweet tweet=”I am becoming more confident everyday & in every way. #positive #affirmations” quote=”Affirm confidence into your life with this tweetable: I am becoming more confident everyday & in every way. #positive #affirmations”]
To Recap
Managing your self talk to build confidence is a skill any one can master and that means you. I wholeheartedly believe in you! Just remember to:
- Make an effort to stop negative thoughts as soon as you become aware of them.
- Fight back! If your little troll says, “You’re not strong enough”, give it a MENTAL kick in the face and say, “That a lie, I am strong enough.”
- Make a list of positive affirmations and say them to yourself. Remember to use “I” statements, stay in the present, and keep it positive.
- Surround yourself with positive quotes. Put them on your computer & phone screen, in your car, in your office, and around your house.
Love your upbeat attitude! Hate the way there is really no way to chat back and forth. Or at least I am too new to know yet. Thx alot for liking my food art. Check out my collection on pinterest for decadent food and kitchen bling.
Thanks Marilyn. I’m constantly checking my twitter & instagram account if you need to get in touch.
Such a good reminder! It is so easy to forget how powerful our thoughts are both positive and negative! 😉
The way that I look at everything is, for example…”If you don’t like it, then don’t look!” I have accepted the way I look, and that’s all that’s important!!!
I look at things quite pessimistically so positive though never finds its way to my mind first. I do try to look on the bright side once in a while but overloaded worries weigh me down every day.
Another way of using positive thinking is…to make a list of affirmations! You make a list of all the good things in your life, then cut them up into strips of paper, put them in a box….and when you’re feeling down, just pull one or two out of the box!!!
i dont know what to say about this. i give one example.. think positive and try to feel good what you do. life will make you to fall down but you have to stand up and never look back. stay positive
Actually I do. I always try to tell myself I am doing awesome even if I can’t do everything. I remind myself of what I did get done.