Positive self-talk: how to shift your mind for success
The first step toward a more positive mindset is recognising and addressing negative self-talk.
I owe all my achievements and perseverance to positive self-talk. Life has its ups and downs but when it’s down it can be very easy to be your own harshest critic. However, I soon realised that if I wouldn’t tear down my closest friends and family when they were struggling, why would I do it to myself?
We all have an internal dialogue that shapes how we see ourselves. For me, it often revolves around my abilities and what the future holds. I’ve had my fair share of self-doubt, but learning to shift that voice from being my biggest critic to my biggest supporter has been a game-changer.
One book that really stuck with me is The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. In the book, Tolle discusses how obsessing over the past or worrying about the future takes away from the only moment we truly have which is RIGHT NOW!
That perspective hit home for me. Because at the end of the day, our thoughts shape our reality, and how we talk to ourselves can either lift us up or hold us back.
What is positive self-talk?
Medical News Today defines positive self-talk as an internal dialogue that makes a person feel good about themselves. Positive self-talk helps foster optimism and motivation. However, the first step toward a more positive mindset is recognising and addressing negative self-talk.
It’s not about pretending everything is perfect but rather focusing on how to move forward, overcome obstacles, and find solutions rather than problems.
This mental shift can drastically affect how you approach challenges, make decisions, and ultimately, how successful you decide you want to be in life.
The science behind positive self-talk
Our brains are highly receptive to the language we use, and research shows that positive self-talk can increase our confidence, reduce stress, and improve performance.
When you use positive language, you activate areas of the brain associated with motivation and problem-solving. Over time, these repeated patterns of thinking create a more positive and resilient mindset.
How positive self-talk boosts success
1. Boosts confidence and performance
The way you speak to yourself influences how you view your own abilities. The quote by Henry Ford, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re right.” rings true. If you constantly tell yourself you’re not good enough or that you’re destined to fail, you’re more likely to give up when faced with challenges.
Positive self-talk can boost your self-esteem and empower you to take on new opportunities. When you affirm your strengths and capabilities, you build the confidence needed to tackle any challenge head-on.
2. Helps manage stress
In high-stress situations, your inner dialogue can either add fuel to the fire or calm the storm. Negative thoughts like “I can’t do this” or “I’m going to fail” only increase anxiety.
By replacing these with more positive, empowering statements like “I’ve handled tough situations before” or “I’m capable of finding a solution”, you start to think of ways to adapt.
This shift helps reduce feelings of stress and equips you to think more clearly and effectively in stressful situations.
3. Improves problem-solving abilities
Positive self-talk encourages a growth mindset, which is the belief that anything you decide to work and focus on wholeheartedly can be developed with effort and practice. This mindset makes you more open to challenges and helps you approach problems with a solution-oriented mindset.
Instead of seeing failure as a setback, see it as a lesson. Positive self-talk allows you to view mistakes as opportunities for learning and growth, leading to more creative and effective problem-solving.
4. Fosters resilience
Life is full of ups and downs, and setbacks are inevitable. However, how you react to these challenges plays a huge role in determining your long-term success.
Positive self-talk helps build resilience by allowing you to reframe challenges as opportunities for growth. When you tell yourself, “This setback doesn’t define me” or “I’m learning and improving every day,” you develop the mental strength to persevere, no matter what life throws your way.
Shifting your self-talk: practical tips for success
Now that you understand the power of positive self-talk, here are three practical steps that I also incorporate day to day to help you shift your internal dialogue for the better:
Identify negative thought patterns
The first step is awareness. Pay attention to the negative thoughts that arise throughout your day. Whether it’s self-doubt, criticism, or fear, identify these thoughts and challenge their validity. Are they based on facts, or are they exaggerated fears? Is it based on you thinking too much about the past or being anxious about the future?
Use affirmations
Affirmations are positive statements that help rewire your brain for success. Make a list of affirmations that resonate with your goals and repeat them daily. Statements like “I am worthy of success” or “Every challenge I face is an opportunity to grow” can instil confidence and foster a positive mindset.
Visualise success
Take a moment each day to visualise yourself succeeding. Picture yourself overcoming obstacles, achieving your goals, and experiencing success. This mental imagery works hand-in-hand with positive self-talk to build confidence and reinforce the belief that success is within your reach.
Surround yourself with positivity
Positive self-talk is more effective when you surround yourself with positivity. Connect with people who uplift and inspire you. Engage with content that motivates and encourages you. When you’re in a positive environment, your internal dialogue naturally follows suit. Honestly, if social media gets a bit too much for you, sign out!
Moving forward
The impact of positive self-talk on your success is undeniable. By changing the way you speak to yourself, you can boost your confidence, reduce stress, improve problem-solving abilities, and build resilience.
Remember, success, contentment and happiness start with the way you think and what you tell yourself every day.
By embracing positive self-talk and cultivating a growth mindset, you position yourself for greater achievements, both personally and professionally.
It’s time to shift your mind and start claiming the success you deserve.
Tariq Peters is a public relations specialist, freelancer, content creator and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) advocate in the PR industry. Tariq is recognised for his dedication to the industry and B2B client work across financial services, fintech, technology, construction and the public sector, earning him a spot in PR Week UK’s ‘30 Under 30’ list in 2021. This post was first published on his website.
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