How to Avoid Negative Self-Talk

Negative self-talk is when you tell yourself something negative about yourself or a situation you are in. Negative self-talk usually comes from a lack of confidence and can end up making you feel even less confident than you were when you started the negative self-talk. Follow the steps below to start avoiding negative self-talk.

Instructions

1. Avoid using the words "should," "could," "have to" or "ought to." All these words will do is make you feel guilty. Try replacing these words with "can" or "will."

2. Use the words "I will" instead of "I'll try." Saying that you will try something only means exactly that: that you will try and you might not succeed. Saying that you will means that you are confident and you are picturing success.

3. Accept compliments instead of protesting against them. When you receive a compliment, be gracious about it and simply say "thank you" and smile.

4. Avoid using negative labels for yourself. Calling yourself stupid or fat will only lower your self-esteem. If you are unhappy with something, make a plan to change it instead of beating yourself up about it.

5. Quit thinking and saying that you are going to fail. You may find that you are not able to do something. As long as you try and learn something in the process, you will never truly fail.

6. Realistically assess bad situations. Instead of blowing the situation out of proportion, be realistic about the assessment and consequences.

7. Speak clearly and confidently when talking to others. Mumbling will only make you feel and appear less self-confident.