Changing Your Mindset: The Role Of Self-Talk In Rewriting Negative Beliefs
Each of us can change our mindset. Yes, of course, there can be factors for which we need help. However, in a day-to-day sense, we can rewrite the negative beliefs that are holding us back. A giant first step in this direction involves a closer examination of the role self-talk plays.
Everyone reading this can relate to that ever-present internal monologue that only we can hear. When your inner voice is primarily negative in nature, it very much affects your mindset. By reframing that kind of self-talk, we create room for new, positive thoughts and ideas.
The Role Of Self-Talk In Your Life
It could be the result of issues from the past, societal expectations, or personal problems. Whatever the root cause, a negative inner voice is all too common. Such thoughts become automatic and normalized. After a while, it all sounds undeniably true and sinks in deeply to create a mindset.
A Few Ways Negative Self-Talk Can Damage Your Mental Health
Anxiety
Depression
Self-limiting beliefs
Relationship issues
Low self-esteem
Impaired cognition
High levels of stress
Self-sabotaging choices
Less resilience
But there’s good news. All of the above — and more — can be turned around when you take active steps to challenge that inner voice.
Changing Your Mindset
It’s an unrealistic goal to aim for no negative thoughts. But it’s 100 percent within your power to reframe those thoughts and thereby transform your daily life. It requires work and a conscious change to take steps like:
Talk Back To That Inner Voice
Be a fact-checker! Just because you have a thought does not mean it’s true. Stress, fear, and anxiety can provoke inner criticism as a dysfunctional coping mechanism. Take a beat to question chronic beliefs. If there is no evidence, you have no reason to accept these thoughts as accurate.
Actively Declare Positive Affirmations
For every negative thought that arises, match it and overwhelm it with dozens of positive words. Go as far as speaking these affirmations out loud. Write them down. Repeat them as often as necessary. The transition doesn’t happen overnight, but with diligent effort, you will see and feel a remarkable shift taking place.
Practice Self-Compassion
The next step is to carry the positive thoughts into positive action. Treat yourself with the type of kindness you’d bestow on any loved one. Be quick to forgive yourself. Practice daily self-care. Spend time with people who lift you up. Connect more deeply with your spiritual beliefs. Celebrate big and small victories. Accept that everyone encounters obstacles, makes missteps, and has tough times. No one is perfect. From a positive mindset, all of these realities become more manageable.
Be Grateful
An excellent counterbalance to negative self-talk is gratitude. Keep a journal to acknowledge anything that inspires thanks and appreciation. Nothing is too big or too small. Rather, a practice like this serves as a powerful reminder of how much positive energy exists in your life. Don’t let a day go by without writing down at least three reasons why you feel grateful.
Be Mindful
So much of your internal criticism is based on the past (regrets) and the future (fears). Meanwhile, life is happening right here in the present. Find ways like meditation and breathing exercises to keep your mind from time traveling. Stay present where it’s far easier to recognize things and events that belong on your gratitude list.
You Don’t Have To Do This Work Alone
Working with a therapist is a proven path for gaining the skills you need to change your mindset. Your weekly sessions offer space to explore, discover, and grow. To learn more, let’s connect to discuss how Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) could be helpful for you.
