Many of us engage in an ongoing conversation in our minds. This conversation can involve providing ourselves with directions while performing a task, making observations about our surroundings or circumstances, or what is commonly known as self-talk.
Self-talk is the personal story we tell ourselves internally. It is the inner voice that we may not have given much consideration or attention to. However, in reality, our self-talk can have a significant impact on our self-perception and our perception of the world.
While self-talk is personal and unique from individual to individual, it is also a universally shared reality. More than ever, people are interested in looking at the psychology behind their own lived experiences, and this is where the discussion of self-talk comes in.
Understanding the power of self-talk is crucial to conversations about mental health and personal growth. The words we use to communicate with ourselves can either be positive or negative, and research has shown that positive self-talk can have a profound impact on our mental well-being. With this in mind, it is essential to recognize the importance of self-talk and how we can use it to build a healthier self-image and lead a happier, more fulfilling life.
What Is Self-Talk
Everyone talks to themselves, so no, you’re not crazy. From the moment you wake up till the moment you fall back asleep, you’re actively engaging in an internal dialogue with yourself. You communicate, using your thoughts, your inner voice, and sometimes even the words you say aloud to yourself and others.
You might awaken and tell yourself that you’re hungry, that you deserve and need to eat, and therefore you do. Perhaps on the other hand, you awaken and say that you can wait to eat till lunch, that you’re not really that hungry, and that you’re fine with a cup of coffee.
Internally, we interpret and define our lived experiences. It can be something simple, like how we tell ourselves we would rather write in black ink over blue ink. However, self-talk goes deeper than that.
Just like in your conversations with others, the things we say to ourselves can be positive and/or negative. We can see affirming words displayed in supportive relationships, and on the other end, we can also see clear examples of negativity impacting a person’s self-worth, even their self-concept.
If we don’t accept the bullying of others, then why do we bully ourselves?
Negative self-talk involves using critical, self-defeating, and pessimistic language that undermines one’s self-esteem and self-worth. Negative self-talk can contribute to feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, and anxiety. Examples of negative self-talk include phrases such as “I’ll never be good enough,” “I always mess up,” or “I’m so stupid.”
But how impactful is it?
Research has shown that individuals who engage in positive self-talk tend to have better psychological functioning and emotional resilience than those who engage in negative self-talk. Positive self-talk can help individuals cope with stress, overcome challenges, and improve their overall quality of life.
Moreover, self-talk can also affect our behavior and performance. For example, athletes who use positive self-talk before a competition are more likely to perform better than those who engage in negative self-talk. Similarly, students who use positive self-talk while studying or taking exams tend to have better academic outcomes than those who engage in negative self-talk.
Self-talk can be influenced by a range of factors, including personality traits, past experiences, and current circumstances. Individuals with low self-esteem or a history of trauma or abuse may be more likely to engage in negative self-talk. Additionally, stressful situations, such as a job loss or relationship breakup, can trigger negative self-talk and contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression.
Understanding and managing self-talk is the first step in a journey towards growing and protecting our sense of self, or what is known as our self-concept.
Self-talk can be influenced by a range of factors, including personality traits, past experiences, and current circumstances.
Individuals with low self-esteem or a history of trauma or abuse may be more likely to engage in negative self-talk.
Additionally, stressful situations, such as a job loss or relationship breakup, can trigger negative self-talk and contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression.
Understanding and managing self-talk is the first step in a journey towards growing and protecting our sense of self, or what is known as our self-concept.
