Give your wellness plan a boost with positive self- talk
Positive Self-Talk to Build Self-Confidence
While people joke about people who talk to themselves, the truth is that all of us talk to ourselves, whether we do it mentally or aloud. Self-talk happens daily, but negative self-talk can be devastating, destroying your self-confidence and self-esteem. Focusing on positive self-talk is one of the best ways that you can build higher levels of confidence in yourself. Here is a closer look at self-talk, a few examples, tips for eliminating negative self-talk and more important information to keep in mind.
Understanding Positive Self-Talk
First, you need to fully understand positive self-talk. The truth is that everyone needs to hear the words ‘good job’ from time to time. This helps you know that you are doing a good job and that you are seeing progress. Most people do not have the means to hire a positivity coach to keep giving them positive affirmations throughout the day, but you do have yourself. You do not need someone else to tell you that you did a great job. You can talk to yourself, using positive self-talk to affirm how well you are doing.
Examples of Positive Self-Talk
Now that you understand a bit more about positive self-talk and how it can help you build self-confidence, here are a few examples to consider.
- Personal Praise - Sometimes it is easy to criticize yourself. However, one great example of positive self-talk is to praise yourself. When you performed well, give yourself a pat on the back and take some time to praise yourself for both small and large accomplishments. For example, if you made a delicious meal for dinner, praise yourself by saying, ‘I cooked an excellent meal tonight, even when I didn’t have a lot of time.’ Praise yourself instead of finding something to criticize.
- Encouragement - Positive self-talk can also include encouragement. When things are a bit tough, think about what you would say to a friend who was having a tough time. Maybe you would tell a friend that they should ‘take everything one day at a time - things will get better.’ Instead of saying that to a friend, say that to yourself for some encouragement.
- Compliment Yourself - When you look in the mirror, it is easy to see what you perceive as negative features. However, look at yourself and find something to compliment. You could say, ‘Your skin looks fresh,’ ‘Your eyes are pretty,’ or ‘Wow you have a happy smile today.’ Complimenting yourself helps give your self-confidence a boost.
Tips for Eliminating Negative Self-Talk and Thoughts
Negative self-talk and negative thoughts can sabotage your self-confidence. This means it is important to eliminate negative self-talk and thoughts. Here are a couple tips that will help.
- Tip #1 - Be More Aware of Your Thoughts - First, become aware of your thoughts and the way you talk to yourself. You may be surprised at the mean things you are saying to yourself. Once you are more aware of your thoughts and the way you are talking to yourself, you can take measure to begin eliminating those negative thoughts, exchanging them for positive ones.
- Tip #2 - Turn it to a Positive - Now that you are more aware of your thoughts, every time you think a negative thought, work to make it positive. For example, if you are thinking, ‘I just can’t do that’; turn it to a positive thought, thinking, ‘It is hard, but I will figure out a way to accomplish it.’
As you begin focusing on positive self-talk, you will quickly find that you begin building better self-confidence as well. Use this information to focus on speaking kindly to yourself, which will turn you into a more positive, confident individual.
While people joke about people who talk to themselves, the truth is that all of us talk to ourselves, whether we do it mentally or aloud. Self-talk happens daily, but negative self-talk can be devastating, destroying your self-confidence and self-esteem. Focusing on positive self-talk is one of the best ways that you can build higher levels of confidence in yourself. Here is a closer look at self-talk, a few examples, tips for eliminating negative self-talk and more important information to keep in mind.
Understanding Positive Self-Talk
First, you need to fully understand positive self-talk. The truth is that everyone needs to hear the words ‘good job’ from time to time. This helps you know that you are doing a good job and that you are seeing progress. Most people do not have the means to hire a positivity coach to keep giving them positive affirmations throughout the day, but you do have yourself. You do not need someone else to tell you that you did a great job. You can talk to yourself, using positive self-talk to affirm how well you are doing.
Examples of Positive Self-Talk
Now that you understand a bit more about positive self-talk and how it can help you build self-confidence, here are a few examples to consider.
- Personal Praise - Sometimes it is easy to criticize yourself. However, one great example of positive self-talk is to praise yourself. When you performed well, give yourself a pat on the back and take some time to praise yourself for both small and large accomplishments. For example, if you made a delicious meal for dinner, praise yourself by saying, ‘I cooked an excellent meal tonight, even when I didn’t have a lot of time.’ Praise yourself instead of finding something to criticize.
- Encouragement - Positive self-talk can also include encouragement. When things are a bit tough, think about what you would say to a friend who was having a tough time. Maybe you would tell a friend that they should ‘take everything one day at a time - things will get better.’ Instead of saying that to a friend, say that to yourself for some encouragement.
- Compliment Yourself - When you look in the mirror, it is easy to see what you perceive as negative features. However, look at yourself and find something to compliment. You could say, ‘Your skin looks fresh,’ ‘Your eyes are pretty,’ or ‘Wow you have a happy smile today.’ Complimenting yourself helps give your self-confidence a boost.
Tips for Eliminating Negative Self-Talk and Thoughts
Negative self-talk and negative thoughts can sabotage your self-confidence. This means it is important to eliminate negative self-talk and thoughts. Here are a couple tips that will help.
- Tip #1 - Be More Aware of Your Thoughts - First, become aware of your thoughts and the way you talk to yourself. You may be surprised at the mean things you are saying to yourself. Once you are more aware of your thoughts and the way you are talking to yourself, you can take measure to begin eliminating those negative thoughts, exchanging them for positive ones.
- Tip #2 - Turn it to a Positive - Now that you are more aware of your thoughts, every time you think a negative thought, work to make it positive. For example, if you are thinking, ‘I just can’t do that’; turn it to a positive thought, thinking, ‘It is hard, but I will figure out a way to accomplish it.’
As you begin focusing on positive self-talk, you will quickly find that you begin building better self-confidence as well. Use this information to focus on speaking kindly to yourself, which will turn you into a more positive, confident individual.
Posted by Cicely Blalock on Monday 14 April 2014
Stress Management 101: Traffic
Stress Management: Traffic?
Are you among the millions of Americans who hate weekdays because of the rush hour traffic?
Well this post will give you 10 ways to survive traffic and arrive in a good mood.
1. Leave early and leave late
Aside from accidents and road construction, why are there traffic jams in the first place? Could it be that everyone is trying to leave at the same time? Why not be different for a change. Leave early. Leave later.
2. Get plenty of sleep.
In order to get up early you have to go to bed. And while we are resting our bodies are repairing themselves from the days activities.
3. Keep your body healthy on the inside
Did you know that air pollution is a contributor of stress? It is no wonder that cities with high levels of traffic congestion also have high levels of stress. When we keep our bodies immune systems healthy with exercise and good nutrition it can do its job of keeping pollutants out.
4. Keep your car in good condition
Reduce your worries of a breakdown in traffic by keeping your car maintained regularly. This will also help reduce air pollution.
5. Practice Time Management
Part of time management is knowing what to do with unexpected or even expected time delays. If you take a taxi or carpool perhaps look at being stuck in traffic as relaxation time. Take a nap, bring along a book to read, homework to finish, or get caught up on social networking, so you can use time out of traffic for other things. You know, kill two birds with one stone. And if you have to do the driving, instead of listening to the radio, perhaps take along some religious audios or cds on self-improvement courses. I like to use this time to either listen to the bible or bible based literature, or just as my me and Jehovah time. But however you use it make sure it is productive, but not distracting. Remember you are still in traffic.
6. Carpool
If you decide to carpool, try to find people who are dependable, on time, and don’t expect you to do all of the driving. I found that it also helps if you have something in common.
7. Take a taxi or other form of public transportation
Take your mind off the driving and work on another project on your agenda.
8. Enroll in a roadside assistance club
Even a brand new car can have a breakdown. See if your area has something like a AAA, popalock, or Good Sams roadside assistance club. And look into enrollment.
9. Take a defensive driving course
Whereas you cannot always control what other drivers will do, you can be aware of indicators that something is about to happen and possible avoid it; if you know what you are looking for. Some jobs will offer these classes for free. Check around and see.
10. Pray”
The 4th chapter of the bible book of Phillipians encourages us to pray in all things, for “peace of mind”. I cannot tell you how many traffic jams this bit of advice has gotten me through.
Are you among the millions of Americans who hate weekdays because of the rush hour traffic?
Well this post will give you 10 ways to survive traffic and arrive in a good mood.
1. Leave early and leave late
Aside from accidents and road construction, why are there traffic jams in the first place? Could it be that everyone is trying to leave at the same time? Why not be different for a change. Leave early. Leave later.
2. Get plenty of sleep.
In order to get up early you have to go to bed. And while we are resting our bodies are repairing themselves from the days activities.
3. Keep your body healthy on the inside
Did you know that air pollution is a contributor of stress? It is no wonder that cities with high levels of traffic congestion also have high levels of stress. When we keep our bodies immune systems healthy with exercise and good nutrition it can do its job of keeping pollutants out.
4. Keep your car in good condition
Reduce your worries of a breakdown in traffic by keeping your car maintained regularly. This will also help reduce air pollution.
5. Practice Time Management
Part of time management is knowing what to do with unexpected or even expected time delays. If you take a taxi or carpool perhaps look at being stuck in traffic as relaxation time. Take a nap, bring along a book to read, homework to finish, or get caught up on social networking, so you can use time out of traffic for other things. You know, kill two birds with one stone. And if you have to do the driving, instead of listening to the radio, perhaps take along some religious audios or cds on self-improvement courses. I like to use this time to either listen to the bible or bible based literature, or just as my me and Jehovah time. But however you use it make sure it is productive, but not distracting. Remember you are still in traffic.
6. Carpool
If you decide to carpool, try to find people who are dependable, on time, and don’t expect you to do all of the driving. I found that it also helps if you have something in common.
7. Take a taxi or other form of public transportation
Take your mind off the driving and work on another project on your agenda.
8. Enroll in a roadside assistance club
Even a brand new car can have a breakdown. See if your area has something like a AAA, popalock, or Good Sams roadside assistance club. And look into enrollment.
9. Take a defensive driving course
Whereas you cannot always control what other drivers will do, you can be aware of indicators that something is about to happen and possible avoid it; if you know what you are looking for. Some jobs will offer these classes for free. Check around and see.
10. Pray”
The 4th chapter of the bible book of Phillipians encourages us to pray in all things, for “peace of mind”. I cannot tell you how many traffic jams this bit of advice has gotten me through.
Posted by Cicely Blalock on Friday 3 May 2013
It's not to late to join!
How Heavy is Your Glass?
Ladies if stress has taken over your life, join me for this 6 week online stress management workshop. We will learn how to identify and control stress, and build self-confidence. This workshop is run in conjunction with a 6 week weightloss challenge. To learn more and register go to
http://foreversuccessfull.com/?page_id=562
See you there
Coach Cicely
Posted by Cicely Blalock on Thursday 2 May 2013
