“Positive self-talk can build your self-confidence.” – Stanley T. Crawford
Negative self-talk is a normal part of the human experience. But for some of us (including myself), it can become a bit extreme—to the point where we begin to believe that the negative things we think and say to ourselves might be true.
If unchecked, negative self-talk can diminish our confidence, decrease our motivation, and sabotage our overall happiness in life. The good news, however, is that negative self-talk can often be offset by practicing positive self-talk. Positive self-talk can create in us a sense of well-being—improving the way we feel about ourselves, our relationships, and everything around us.
If you know me well enough, you’ve probably heard me speak about my struggle with negative self-talk in the past, and how I’m now taking the proper steps towards strengthening my mindset.
Based on my personal experience, I truly believe that nothing can make or break us like the stories we tell ourselves in our own heads. In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of positive self-talk and how we can use it to manifest the happiness we deserve!
What It Is and What It Is Not
First, let’s not confuse positive self-talk with toxic positivity. Toxic positivity is the belief that no matter how difficult a situation is, we should only display positive emotions.
While it usually serves in our best interest to maintain a positive outlook, the problem with toxic positivity is that it often invalidates our feelings. Because as we all know—life isn’t always positive. And suppressing certain emotions or experiences can do more harm than good to our mental health.
So, rather than putting on a false display of positivity, we should be seeking out real ways to deal with our real emotions. This is where speaking to ourselves kindly can benefit us.
Positive self-talk is the internal dialogue we have with ourselves that makes us feel better about who we are… and helps us think optimistically. It allows us to acknowledge when we’re struggling, and offers us hope and reassurance that we have what it takes to keep going.
Unlike what many people think, positive self-talk isn’t about feeling happy at all times. It’s about slowly reframing the way we view tough situations and learning to communicate with ourselves in a more encouraging manner.
Replacing Negative Self-Talk with Positive Thinking
Most good things in life require time and effort—and changing our self-talk is no different. But with daily practice, your thoughts will begin to shift, and positive self-talk will happen easier and more naturally.
For me, practicing self-awareness has been the key to transforming my thinking over time. Whenever I notice myself thinking irrationally, I immediately begin to speak simple, encouraging phrases to myself. This process helps shift my mindset from negative to positive.
For instance, when my mind tells me I’m being lazy, I tell myself that I am worthy and deserving of rest.
When my mind tells me I’m not good enough, I remind myself that I am perfect in my own way.
You’ve probably heard the saying, “talk to yourself like you would to someone you love.” And that’s exactly the point I’m trying to make!
Here are ten positive phrases I often use to reject negative thoughts and redirect my thinking during difficult moments:
- Things aren’t great, but things will get better.
- I know how to persevere.
- I’m not perfect… but I’m doing my best.
- I learn and grow from my mistakes.
- Every day is a fresh start.
- I deserve time to recharge when I’m exhausted.
- I’ll always have flaws—and I’m OK with that.
- I deserve to be happy no matter what.
- I am worthy of pursuing my goals… no matter the outcome.
- This seems impossible right now, but I’m smart enough to do it.
The list can go on and on… Just remember that positive self-talk equals self-love and self-care.
Write down a list of positive phrases that you can look at in times of need. And let’s start replacing negative self-talk with positive thinking!
When my mind tells me I’m not good enough, I remind myself that I am perfect in my own way.
The Benefits of Positive Self-Talk
As I mentioned before, I’ve witnessed tremendous changes in my life due to practicing positive self-talk on a consistent basis. And although I’m still a work in progress, it feels good to have more control of my thoughts—instead of the other way around.
From correcting negative thoughts to giving us motivation to push through difficult times, positive self-talk can change our lives in several meaningful ways. It can influence our thoughts, feelings, health—and lead to a better quality of life. According to research, here’s a list of other powerful benefits:
- Reduced stress
- Greater life satisfaction
- Improved mood
- Enhanced self-esteem
- Better cardiovascular health
- Improved mental health
The truth is—whether positive or negative—our internal words have power. I won’t tell you that changing your self-talk will be easy, but I can assure you that the journey will be well worth it.
Practicing positive self-talk, and sticking with it, can offer you a newfound level of peace and satisfaction. Because when you change the language of your mind, you’ll change the trajectory of your life!
51 responses to “Positive Self-Talk and Why It’s Important”
Great article! This is very good advice and so encouraging. Thank you.
So glad you enjoyed it!
Love it, we can’t get enough of this information. Great tips!
This is so encouraging! I have been focusing a lot on manifesting. Not really sure if that’s the same thing but positive talk is something we should definitely focus on 🙂
I consider it one and the same, Megan. Good for you! Manifesting is so important.
Very helpful post for me especially with some difficult people in my life! 🙂
Definitely have to practice positive self-talk when dealing with difficult people. Hang in there, Laurie!
Very helpful. Thanks.
Very helpful.
Really enjoyed the read and positive self-talk makes such a difference!! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and advice.
Glad you enjoyed it, Nicolle!
Great article and very informative.
Glad you found this post helpful, Pam!
I love the idea of self talk that create positive things about ourselves. We should reject at all negative self talk and know that we are perfect.
Yes indeed, Lydiah
Such an encouraging and uplifting post❤️ Thanks for sharing!
Glad you found this post inspiring, Colette!
Amazing post! I always practice positive self-talk because I don’t have space in my life for negativity.
Thanks for reading! And I so agree, no space for negativity.
Thankyou for the reminder of the power of positive self talk! Negative self talk is huge problem for me, especially since I tend to ruminate. I particularly like your example of thinking that I’m lazy when I’m feel tired, because I’m a huge workaholic! I like the idea of telling myself that I deserve to rest.
Glad you enjoyed it, Charli!
I enjoyed reading this and I’m encouraged to implement the suggestions. Thank you!
Thank you Sheenia Denae, I really appreciate the way you broke down the difference between a positive attitude and toxic positivity. There was a lot to think about in this post.
This is a really great post! Positive self talk is so important. Much more important than we sometimes realise!
Thanks, Katherine!
Loooove this post! Thank you so much for sharing! And thank you for mentioning the pitfall of toxic positivity. Some people think that being positive means you have to be super positive ALL THE TIME. But it’s not true! Real nurturing self talk helps you embrace all your feelings.
Lovely piece. There’s a fine balance isn’t there between toxic positivity and positive talk.
Great post to add energy when I’m down. Very useful! Thank you for sharing.
It is a great idea to have positive self-talk. Many times I don’t even completely realize I am being negative to myself. It’s automatic. But you gave me something to think about and work on. Thank you!
It definitely takes some self-awareness and being conscious of our thoughts throughout the day, Nelly. Keep working on it!
Love this post! Toxic self talk is something I’ve been struggling with as of recent and I needed to read this.
It takes a lot of practice to break out of a negative mindset, Rochelle. Keep going! It gets easier and more natural with practice.
I’ve started the habit of talking better to myself. I’m nice to everyone (well, most people) but so hard on myself. We need to be our own biggest fan!
Love this!! Such great reminders and so needed! Thank you
So important, great post!
Loved this! I liked the distinction between toxic positivity and positive self-talk. I’ve also been trying to reframe as much as possible – it definitely takes work! A lot of what you described here reminded me of a book I recently read – The Art of Bouncing Back. I recommend it! Lots of similar ideas.
Sounds like a good read, John. Thanks for the recommendation!
[…] Do you want to know more about positive thinking? Read this amazing post by Sheenia Denae What You Need to Know About Positive Self-Talk […]
Such great tips! Thanks for sharing.
This was a great article, I appreciate how you address dealing with the real emotions and not being overly positive all the time.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Merritt! Glad you enjoyed it.
I am a strong advocate for speaking positive things over my life. Great Post!
This is a great post! Thank you for bringing more attention into this :)!
Such a great article! I really need to practice positive self talk more. I love all of your guidance here!
I think it’s “normal” for us to believe in the negative than the positive. Being hopeful in our innermost dialogue seems impossible. But that’s where I start with prayer. Praying back the scriptures is a good start for those trying to take captive the negative thoughts and replace them with positive messages.
Messages that bring life and not death.
Lovely article. I am getting better and better at catching when I am engaging in negative self-talk and replacing it with something more productive.
This definitely helps. Try to pump myself up every day.
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This article speaks truth! Positive affirmations are the best way to overcome a negative mindset!
I find this post very uplifting and encouraging. Love it. Positivity makes the day and heart lighter <3.
Sonja
Blue Tea Tile
http://www.blueteatile.com