Is your self talk negative?

April 27th, 2010 by admin

“If you hear a voice within you saying, ‘You are not a painter,’ then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced.” ~ Vincent Van Gogh

Here is some advice and tips on how to overcome the negative self talk that we all deal with at times, some more than others.

Negative Self-Talk – The Monkey in Your Internal Thinking By Bruno Logreco

Negative self-talk is a catalyst for low self-esteem. Imagine living in a world where people constantly put themselves down, or don’t believe they can do anything, or are afraid to try new things because of what people may think. Do you ever hear yourself saying any of the following statements?

- “Why should I bother trying to meet new people, nobody will want to be my friend….”
- “I don’t need help from anyone; I can do it myself.”
- “What if I don’t succeed, I will lose my…?”
- “What If I say something wrong, will I be judged by it?”

Many times, people don’t even realize they’re thinking such things. Furthermore, they may not even be aware of the negative impact such self-deprecating thoughts can have. If asked, they probably wouldn’t see anything wrong with that kind of thinking. In fact, they would probably tell you that they are actually a positive person and think well of themselves.

However, many of these people would also likely report a history of panic or anxiety attacks. Panic and anxiety attacks are generally fuelled by habitual negative self-talk and can come on whenever the potential negative outcomes are considered for any given situation. For example, the thought of asking someone for help can result in an instant explosion of anxiety – “What will they think of me?” So, to prevent the worst possible outcome from happening (someone thinking poorly of you) you avoid the entire situation. People who habitually engage in negative self-talk essentially manufacture anxiety to avoid situations.

Negative self-talk keeps people from getting the help and feedback they need, from establishing and maintaining personal relationships with others. Negative self-talk keeps people from taking chances. Instead of seeing the learning potential and the opportunity to do something new and to success, negative self-talking people are afraid of change and avoid any situation that may result in a negative outcome.

Negative self-talk is a monkey in your internal thinking. The monkey swings on your thought pattern confusing your senses and sending a false sense of satisfaction to your brain, strengthening with each swing. The key to stopping negative self-talk, is to catch the monkey before it reaches the “what if” question.

Once you catch the monkey, ask it the following questions:

1. What proof do you have to support your negative thought?
2. Are your thought patterns and the outcomes always true?
3. What is the worst that can happen if you execute your actions?
4. What is so bad about the worst thing that can happen?
5. Can you learn anything by trying?
6. Is this an opportunity for a new learning experience?

Life coaching can help you catch the monkey and keep him from influencing your thoughts and behaviors. Life coaching involves training you to think positively, and empowering yourself with healthy thoughts and behaviors that will have you believing you can do anything. Fight back against the negative self-talk with Bruno LoGreco as your life coach and realize your full potential.

Stop your monkey from influencing your thoughts and behaviors today. Visit Life Coach Bruno LoGreco, a Toronto life coach and mentor and start realizing your full potential.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bruno_Logreco

TODAY’S TIP: Monitor your self talk through out your day. When it is negative, stop the negativity and make it positive.

How much negativity have you thought today?