What Is Positive Self-Talk and How Can You Use It to Achieve Your Dreams?

Develop positive self-talk and reap endless health benefits and a happier outlook on life.

“I am – two of the most powerful words. For what you put after them shapes your reality.” – Gary Hense

Without even noticing it, your internal dialogue is at work during every second of every day. From menial tasks such as meeting a deadline to making important life decision, the way in which you think and talk to yourself plays a huge role in the way that you live and feel.

If you have a pessimistic attitude, you probably find that you generally feel more stressed or even have a bad self-image with low self-esteem. When you are more optimistic, you’ll experience feelings of hopefulness, self-confidence, gratitude and enhanced problem-solving skills.

Here are the benefits of internalising a positive self-talk:

• Improved immune system functioning
• Less stress, anxiety and symptoms of depression
• Mental wellbeing
• Enhanced copying skills
• Increased self-esteem

What is self-talk?

So, what exactly is “self-talk”? It’s the messages you have internalized in your subconscious mind that generates either positive or negative thoughts about yourself.

These thoughts then affect various parts of your life, from your physical health status and your emotional well being, to the way in which you view yourself and others.

Do you practice negative self-talk?

In order to change your inner dialogue, you must first identify whether you practice positive or negative self-talk. If you can admit to it being the latter, then it is time to make some small yet effective changes.

Some examples of negative self-talk are:

• Blaming yourself when bad things happen
• Focusing on the negative in any situation with the inability to find any positive aspects
• Expecting the worst result in any situation
• Focusing on what you are not capable of doing, and seeing every aspect of life as either good or bad with no in between

If you can relate to any of the above scenarios, then changing the way that you think, act and react to life is absolutely necessary. And here are some great ways and activities in which to start.

6 ways you can change your negative self-talk into positive self-talk?

1. Write In A Journal

A gratitude journal is the perfect place to start putting emphasis on the positive things in your life… and it is so easy to implement.

You can start by finding or creating writing prompts for yourself such as, “What do I have to smile about today?” or “How have I changed for the better in the last five years?” and then writing a mere paragraph or two answering your prompt.

You’re not only reflecting on your past achievements but also focusing on your strengths and positive attributes.

2. Removing negative people from your life

This is, of course, a lot easier said than done, but it is true that we become what we think and surround ourselves with.

If you find that you have one or more people in your life that do not add any value, persistently complain, and fill your day with negativity, it is in your best interest to either speak with them about their constant negativity, or limit the time you spend in their negative energy.

3. Stop comparing yourself to others

There will always be someone smarter, more beautiful, funnier, and more talented than you if you compare yourself to others. But that does not mean that you don’t possess any of those qualities. Each and every person is gifted and wonderful in their own way – including you.

1. Practicing the Law of Attraction

The Law of Attraction is simple and effective, and it really is something that is working for us at all times. In short, the Law of Attraction states that your thoughts and actions can determine your life.

And different ways that you can practice the Law of Attraction is to:

• create a dream board with images and texts of things that you want in your life
• read/listen/talk about the things that you want with conviction and belief
• declare positive affirmations every day such as, “I am a powerful human being living my dream life happily with my partner and enjoying a successful career.”

5. Meditate

Meditation is a time for one to shut out the world and to focus only on oneself. It’s the perfect opportunity to relax the body and the mind, which in turn will result in a healthier self, physically and emotionally. What’s even better, is that meditation is very easy to practice and can be done anywhere.

Simply close your eyes, take a deep breath in and hold it for 3 seconds. Then exhale all the breathe out of your lungs. Do this exercise until you start to feel yourself relax. Once you’ve achieved a relaxed state, envision the life you want for yourself. Where are you? Who are you with? What is it that is making you feel so happy?

1. Set Goals

Goals are so important when it comes to living your dream. They can be as big or as small as you want, but the main thing is to make them achievable.

An example: If you want to lose ten pounds, create smaller milestones for yourself, making every two pounds lost an achieved goal. In this way, you’re able to celebrate your success and experience self-love more often and this, in turn, helps you to stay positive, focused and on-track.

2. And last but definitely not least, laughter!

When you laugh, there is a decrease in stress hormones and your immune system receives a boost. Additionally, it promotes the release of feel-good endorphins, making us feel lighter, happier, healthier, and less stressed.

Simply watch a funny YouTube video of hilarious animals or Internet fails and you’ll be sure to relieve some of your stress and create positive energy within and around you.

So, the next time you’re in need of a smile, remember how amazing you are! Take ten minutes out of your day to quiet the mind and envision the life you want, consult your list of goals often, and remember the fantastic things that you have achieved thus far!

STARTING YOUR PATH TO HEALTHY LIVING

There is so much more to a holistic lifestyle than developing and practicing positive self-talk. When you start your journey to healthier living, there seems to be so much information to weed through. It can be confusing and difficult to determine what you should focus on first.

That’s why we’ve developed a short 15 Point Guide to Essential Health. Take charge of your own health. With a little help, you’ll be living a healthier more fulfilled life in no time.