Self Talk for Difficult Times - Feb 2009

Our self-talk affects our career and performance. We are living in difficult times. This article is about supporting ourselves with our self-talk in difficult circumstances.

Focusing on the negative is not uncommon when were feeling stressed, however it affects our feelings, moods and energy. Successful people argue and change their negative to positive self-talk thereby changing their moods and energy for the better.

The importance of arguing and changing our negative thoughts is paramount. If your energy and mood are down you can benefit from spending some time replacing your thoughts.

Try the following: Tap into your feelings and energy as you say the first statement to yourself of the following pairs of statements. Then say the second statement to yourself and note any changes.

Instead of: I’m afraid that things aren’t going to turn out well in the next while.
Replace it with: I am the type of person that makes the most of my resources and time in good and in bad times.

Instead of: I’m afraid that things are coming apart with everyone and in our economy.
Replace it with: People are resourceful and we will get through this by utilizing the resources we have together as responsibly and effectively as we can.

Instead of: What is going wrong in my bosses and my relationship?
Replace it with: What is occurring in my bosses and my relationship?

Instead of: Whatever negative thought you are having.
Replace it with: A positive thought instead.