Positive, Negative and Neutral Self Talk as We Recover from Covid

(From The Good Men Project)

The term self-talk is thrown around a lot, and I would like to take some time to unpack it. Self-talk simply means the things you tell yourself whether they be words, thoughts or conversation you have with yourself. As we recover slowly, this talk is more important than ever as we move forward from Covid. There are several forms, including:

Positive Self–Talk

These are positive statements you tell yourself; for example, “I deserve the promotion because I am good at my job”.

Negative Self-Talk

Negative self-talk is when your inner voice is saying terrible things directed towards you; for example, “I’ll never get that promotion because no one likes me.”

Neutral Self-Talk

The lesser discussed form, and my personal favorite, sounds like this: “I don’t know if I will get the promotion. I know I am good at my job, but there is strong competition.”

Take some time during your day and journal about the statements you are telling yourself. Your goal should be to stay neutral or positive. Some people find positive self-talk to be a bunch of hogwash, which is why I prefer neutral self-talk. Rather than putting on rose-coloured glasses, it allows you to live in grey. You don’t have to keep telling yourself “I’m the best”. Instead you can say “I’m good at what I do, but I recognize others are good at what I do too”. Ultimately, you should choose which style works for you, whether positive or neutral.

Habit and routine

The ways in which we talk to ourselves are also built by habit and routine. What you need to understand is the style of self-talk you engage in has major consequences on you and your life. The adage about words not hurting you simply is not true. The words we use, according to science, actually dictate how we see the world. When you tell yourself you aren’t worthy and a failure, you start to believe it and then treat yourself that way. Eventually you allow others to treat you as a failure.

How to bounce back can be found in giving of yourself

May 6th we are having an event (in support of Edmonton’s Food Bank) where we will have a fun, laugh, and learn. It will include more information on what you can do to live a better life, take back your happiness and be unstoppable in 2021. Get more information and help others: https://springintothefuture.eventbrite.ca 

#springintothefuture @conniepheiffshow #inspiration #selfcare #overcomingadversity #turningpoints