We all talk to ourselves — and often, that inner voice can be harsher than anything others would ever say to us. Self-talk shapes how we see ourselves and the world. Emotional intelligence helps us recognize negative patterns, challenge them, and replace them with healthier narratives.
4 Transformations in Self-Talk
- “I always fail at this.” → “I’m still learning, and every mistake teaches me something valuable.”
- “Nobody cares about me.” → “I can nurture relationships by reaching out more, instead of waiting to be noticed.”
- “I can’t do this.” → “I’ve overcome challenges before; I can break this down into steps and handle it.”
- “I’m not enough.” → “I bring unique strengths that no one else can.”
3 Historical Oddities About Self-Talk
- Marcus Aurelius, a Roman emperor, wrote Meditations as a form of positive self-talk to remind himself of perspective and control.
- In the 1920s, French psychologist Émile Coué spread the affirmation: “Every day, in every way, I’m getting better and better.”
- NASA used positive self-talk training for astronauts to manage fear and stress in high-pressure environments.
Am I trippin with myself, I might be!
Am I trippin with myself, I might be,
Talking down when I should set me free.
The mirror reflects not flaws, but light,
A story I can rewrite tonight.
If I trip, let it be on hope,
Not tangled fears that steal my rope.
I’ll catch myself, stand tall, and see—
The best voice I need is inside of me.
Fortify This:
Changing your self-talk doesn’t happen overnight. But by catching your inner critic and shifting the script, you can literally rewrite your life story.
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