Your Thoughts are Lying to YOU!
What is negative self-talk?
In a nutshell, negative self-talk is that inner critic whispering (or sometimes shouting) that you’re not good enough, smart enough, or worthy enough. It’s the voice that second-guesses your choices, downplays your accomplishments, and holds you back from reaching your potential. Personally, I have been told that I would never make it in life, nor would I ever be loved. Those words hurt and while I know this isn’t true; it doesn’t mean that they don’t haunt me at times. The good news is that negative self-talk is actually a learned behavior, and it can be unlearned!
So how many thoughts do we have each day and how many of them are negative?
According to the National Science Foundation, the average person has between 12,000 and 60,000 thoughts per day. Of those thoughts, about 80% are negative, and 95% are repetitive, meaning the same discouraging thoughts keep cycling day after day. That’s tens of thousands of negative thoughts keeping you stuck unless you intentionally interrupt the pattern.
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Negative self-talk often shows up as limiting beliefs such as “I always mess things up” or “I’m not as talented as others.” These thoughts might seem harmless in the moment, but over time, they shape how you see yourself and what you believe you can achieve. They erode your confidence, fuel anxiety, and can even affect your relationships and career.
How can you eliminate negative self-talk?
Here are five steps to assist you:
Become Aware: Start noticing your inner dialogue. Is it helpful or harmful? Would you speak to a loved one the way you speak to yourself?
Challenge the Thought: Ask yourself, “Is this true?” and “What evidence do I have to support or refute it?”
Reframe the Narrative: Replace “I can’t do this” with “I’m learning and growing every day.”
Use Positive Affirmations: Speak life over yourself: “I am worthy,” “I am capable,” “I am becoming the best version of me.” I use Post-it notes placed on my bathroom mirror to remind me daily of my worth!
Surround Yourself with Positivity: Choose uplifting people, environments, and content that inspire growth.
You may not control every thought, but you can take charge of your responses. Changing your self-talk isn’t about perfection! It’s about progress. Choose words that lift you. Choose thoughts that move you forward. Choose you.
Start small, stay consistent, and remember—you don’t have to do it alone. If you’re ready to explore deeper mindset work or need support shifting your inner dialogue, let’s connect.
Until next time,
Website: www.brokentoboldness.com
Email: deborah@brokentoboldness.com