Positive self-talk can do MUCH more for us than short-term feelings of peace or contentment. Changing our self-talk has the ability to radically transform our lives and quite literally change the physiology of our brains by creating new neural pathways!
We are always talking to ourself in our own minds. The flow of thoughts is so continuous, it almost never stops! Each time you think or say a thought, that pathway in the brain becomes more and more engrained until pretty soon, it becomes a belief and therefore, our reality. Habits are formed in the same way. Our thoughts program our subconscious mind, whether we intend them to or not. Interestingly, the subconscious mind is indifferent to how we program ourselves. Usually, we are not aware of the directions we are giving to it, but we absolutely have the power to create new directions and new programming. Here are some of the ways that self-talk can be applied:
Breaking habits
Physical healing
Weight loss/gain
Mending relationships
Happier mood
Increased motivation
Achieving goals (big or small!)
Changing how you behave
Increased confidence & self-esteem
Reduce stress, worry, & anxiety
New self talk doesn't even have to be phrases that you believe right now; they are thoughts you would hear yourself say if the desire had already been met. When the brain hears something enough times, it becomes truth. Often, we get stuck in habits because we say things to ourselves like "No matter how hard I try, I can never quit drinking coffee". The more times we repeat it to ourselves and others, the more hard wired it becomes. Replace phrases like that with "It is easy for me to quit drinking coffee". Practice saying this even if you still have a cup of coffee in your hand. Let your subconsious mind work for you. If you don't change your thoughts, you'll constantly be working against yourself. The new directions (self-talk) you tell yourself will inform all future actions and before you know it, you will see your behaviours matching your new thoughts and beliefs. You may be surprised at how fast and easy positive change can be!
Book Resources:
Worksheet:
Comments