What is Self Talk?

Self Talk includes all the random thoughts that run through our mind. A simple way of defining Self Talk is that it is talking silently to oneself. Self talk can be positive, it can tell us what to do, where to focus, and get one motivated. Unfortunately, self talk can also be negative and critical. Such internal talk definitely does not help performance and,in most cases, probably hurts performance.

Positive Self Talk is the stuff that makes you feel good about yourself and the things that are going on in your life. It is like having an optimistic voice in your head that always looks on the bright side.

Example - I can do it.

Negative Self Talk is the stuff that makes you feel pretty crappy about yourself and things that are going on. It can put a downer on anything, whether it is good or bad.

Example - "Everything is bad and nothing is going to get better”

When Self Talk goes away from the usual?

1. When user is focusing more on the Past or Future.
2. When user is focusing on weaknesses during competition.
3. When user is focusing on only 'Out Come'. i.e. I am best than others.
4. When user is focusing on uncontrollable factors.
5. Demanding Perfection.

How to Listen and Change your Self Talk ?

1. Observe the Self Talk on Daily Basis
2. Decide what sort of Self Talk you want to hear
3. Catch or generate Flag whenever you begin to Self Talk in a negative manner.
4. Managing your Self Talk on Daily Basis.
5. Figure out what type of positive Self Talk will encourage and motivate you throughout the day and then strive to stay in that frame of mind.
6. Discard Self Talk that is self-defeating or projects anger.

To Be Continued ???

This is the basic terminology I try to explained. If you like my article and wants to know in detail terminology than let me know. I will publish the second part of this article with more detailing such as:

• How to Overcome Procrastination Using Self Talk.
• "Stopping" Negative Self - talk
• Tips on Self Talk Management
• Example

References:

http://www.wikihow.com/Listen-to-and-Change-Your-Self-Talk

http://www.eacgators.com/selftalk.pdf