You can you change all of this in 3 Easy steps.
Yes - we all have one. You may have wondered if it was normal to hear a voice from within. Ever wondered how this Self Talk or inner voice affects you?
Our self-talk, or the words our inner dialogue uses when we think, can influence us positively or when we allow it very negatively without you even being aware of it. This inner voice can be the results of what other people have said, past experiences, and perception you have about yourself, creating a deeper inner belief system.
“What we think determines what happens to us, so if we want to change our lives, we need to stretch our minds.” - Wayne Dyer
That’s right negative self-talk and the constant reinforcement thereof can result in creating limiting beliefs and affect our behavior from a subconscious level. This can also increase your stress levels, limit your potential, and hugely impact on your outlook on life. All of this without you even always being fully aware of what is happening. You may even be wondering why and where these ideas come from. Focusing on the why may shed some light, but would it not rather be more helpful on focusing on how you can change these negative thoughts and create the life you want?
Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine and at last you create what you will. - George Bernard Shaw
You can you change all of this in 3 Easy steps.
- Become aware of your thoughts. It is very important to understand that what you focus on subconsciously is what you will get. Start to pay attention to your thoughts and become mindful of your inner dialogue. When you become aware of your thoughts you may be surprised about all the negative suggestions you make to your subconscious. PAY ATTENTION.
- STOP any negative thoughts immediately. The moment you become aware of any negative thoughts you MUST say in your mind or out loud – STOP - and then ask yourself is the thought moving you away from what you do not want (E.g. I do not want to fail) or making a negative statement (e.g. I always fail), then go to the next step.
- Replace negative thoughts with meaningful and positive thoughts. When you become aware of your negative and limiting thoughts you can replace them with positive thoughts that are focused on the outcome you want.
UNDERSTAND THAT THE SUBCONSCIOUS DOES NOT UNDERSTAND NO. To illustrate this I can ask you not to think of a blue dog and you may find yourself thinking of … Yes the blue dog. Understanding this is very important and therefore you MUST be stating what you want rather than what you don’t want, as this has a powerful positive effect on the mind. Focus on the outcome you want!
Exercise:
- Describe a situation in which you often tend to think/talk negatively to yourself and identify the negative statement you say to yourself.
- Identify words or thoughts you can use to help you stop the negative thought.
- List positive, beneficial statements you can use to replace your negative, harmful thoughts. These should be meaningful to you - Positive language.
Article compiled by Bennie Louw the Sport Mind Coach
Training Your Mind for Sports Performance – Providing training for coaches, managers, parents, high level performers and keen amateurs who wish to learn the techniques to improve their mental approach to sport.
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