Talking to yourself may seem a bit strange but most of us do not do enough of it or in a positive manner. In this digital age, we spend a lot of time talking with others through electronic means, but vocal communication seems to be lacking.
Talking to yourself not only eases loneliness, it may increase your intelligence. Your thoughts are clarified, and decisions are validated. There is only one requirement when talking to yourself: You become smarter only if you are respectful with the words you speak.
Begin talking to yourself like you are your best friend. Name-calling and berating yourself is worse than no talk at all. You are only stupid if you call yourself an idiot.
January is National Dieting Month. Your self-talk often determines success while changing a meal pattern or continuing an exercise regime. There are different types of self-talk that will make you more intelligent and feel better about yourself.
Why wait for compliments from someone else? If you deserve a kind word, give it to yourself. Kids hear complimentary words all the time, adults never hear them. Start by telling yourself how proud you are for not getting three scoops of ice cream while licking away at only one. After completing a difficult task, shout out “good job” and feel the love.
No one can motivate you better than yourself. Instead of a gruff, angry attitude to get moving, sweet talk yourself into cleaning the basement or one more round of exercises. Talk to yourself in a kind tone, out loud, before attempting a grueling task. Some people sound like their parents, use their loving tone to get you moving.
Decisions are easier if you discuss them with others. Who else knows all the details better than you? Choices aren’t easy. Many times, we respond impulsively from habit or anxiety. Create a dialogue with yourself with your own voice so that you can actually hear what you think. Determining which main course to prepare may require discussing the caloric amount with your brain instead of listening to your feelings and stomach. Informed decisions concerning your needs vs. wants can help to keep unwanted calories at bay.
Just writing a goal down may not be enough. Reread your goals and repeat them out loud to cement them into your psyche. This focuses your attention, reinforces your efforts, keeps runaway emotions in control, and weeds out distractions. Athletes talk to themselves all the time, “keep your eye on the ball. Breathe. Focus.”
Talk to yourself, chit-chat, communicate respectfully with yourself. You are not crazy. It is a sign of self-awareness and good health. The manner that you talk to yourself can have a giant influence on how you feel and act.
Turning negative self-talk into realistic, positive words that lead to success. Read this out loud: “I am a wonderful person. I want to be my best by making healthy choices. I like the sound of my own voice.”
Be kind to yourself when trying something new.
