What are you saying to yourself? Overcoming negative self-talk

What are you saying to yourself? Overcoming negative self-talk

I like to run a bit. It’s what I do to keep myself fit.

Where I live it’s “undulating” and hard to find a flat route so there are usually some hills involved.

There’s a fairly steep hill about 2 miles from home which I have a bit of a contest with.  The hill and I have a mutual respect for each other.

As I got to the bottom of the hill yesterday I was determined not to walk, to keep running.

And then the negative talk started!

You can’t do it.

You won’t manage it.

You’ll be tired at the top.

Best to walk now to make sure you can make it home.

But yesterday I didn’t listen.

I really wanted to get up the hill – because it’s a longer way home if I turned back.

Yesterday I noticed the negative talk in my head.

I challenged myself.

What’s the worst thing that could happen if I just keep going?

Well, I’ll feel wrecked and have to walk the 2 miles home, or ring for a lift.

What’s the best thing that could happen?

I might make it to the top and feel great.

What’s the best thing that could happen if you don’t try?

I’ll never know.

I didn’t physically stop – I kept going while I was thinking.

By the time I’d thought all this through I was near the top anyway – and I was still running.

I don’t know about you but I don’t only do this when I’m running. We all do it.  I’ve talked myself out of picking up the phone, sending an email, posting to social media, asking for help or a favour.

We need to learn to notice when we’re doing it, to challenge ourselves, to not stop, and keep going.

Do you sometimes talk yourself out of doing things?

Are you scared you’ll fail?

Are you worried you might look foolish?

If you’d like help to break the pattern of negative self-talk or learn to deal with it better, then get in touch to find out how I can help.

I offer a free 45 minute introductory call, no obligation, book it now here.