We all talk to ourselves. Most of the time, we don’t even notice it. But every now and then, you catch the voice. You catch that quiet narrator inside your skull and realise it’s not exactly cheering for you.
Negative self-talk is sneaky.
It shows up as doubt, hesitation, second-guessing, or that old favourite: “That’s me. That’s just who I am.”
But here’s a truth:
Who you are is shaped by what you repeatedly say to yourself.
Your subconscious listens. And it believes you. It really does.
So, following on from the other week, try swapping the old script for something better. Something stronger. Something that pulls you toward the person you’re becoming. And no matter how old you are, you are constantly changing and growing. You are not a tree, and you are not rooted in one spot.
Here are some examples of positive self-talk:
- I make good decisions.
- I’m allowed to make mistakes and move on.
- Difficult times don’t last.
- Every day gives me another chance. <- I like this one.
- I focus on what’s good in others and in myself.
- I’m capable.
- I’m resilient.
- I’m here to live, not just exist.
- Opportunities surround me.
- Thankfulness creates happiness, and happiness fuels success.
- I choose wisely.
- I can do hard things.
- I can, I will, I shall.
These aren’t affirmations just for the fridge.
They’re reminders.
Triggers.
And mental steering wheels.
Because the moment you hear yourself slipping into that old pattern: the criticism, the defeatism, the quiet self-sabotage – that’s your chance to take the wheel back.
A one-second course correction.
A small sentence that interrupts the old program and installs the new one.
Your thoughts, emotions and actions shape your reality. Use them purposefully.
This Week’s Motivator
When you catch yourself slipping into negative self-talk, pause and replace it with:
“I can. I will. I shall.”
Prompt for the Week
What is one negative thought you hear often? What’s the new line you’ll use to overwrite it?
