10 of Diamonds - Positive Self-talk

Positive thinking regularly starts with positive self-talk. Self-talk is the continuous stream of unspoken thoughts which run through your head. The automatic thoughts one may experience may be either positive or negative. A portion of self-talk stems from logic and reason. However, some self-talk arises from misconceptions created because of a lack of information or expectations due to preconceived ideas of what may happen (Mayo Clinic 2023).

Intentionally commit to the practice of positive self-talk daily. A great rule to start following is to not say anything to yourself which you wouldn’t say to anyone else. Always be gentle and encouraging with yourself. If a negative thought enters your mind, evaluate it rationally and respond with positive affirmations of your good qualities. Practice mindfulness and concentrate about things you are thankful for in your life (Mayo Clinic 2023).

There is a myriad of affirmative physical and mental health benefits gained from the practice of positive self-talk.  

Health researchers continue to investigate the effects of positive thinking and optimism on health. Health benefits that positive thinking may provide include:

• A longer life span;
• Lower rates of depression, distress, and pain;
• Increased resistance to illness;
• Better cardiovascular health;
• Reductions in risk of death from cancer;
• Improved stress and hardship coping skills;
• Overall better psychological/physical wellbeing.

The theory  of fostering a positive outlook enables a person to cope better with stressful situations and therefore reduces the harmful health effects of stress on your body (Mayo Clinic 2023).

The results of this study by Ay et al. (2013), determined positive self-talk enhanced learning a new swimming skill and improved self-efficacy to the novice students in the physical education college at the University of Jordan. The author’s conclusions encourage the use of positive self-talk as a strategy to facilitate learning, to enhance students’ performance and to improve their self-efficacy (Ay et al., 2013).

The way an individual speaks to themselves and the positivity levels in one’s thought process can make a powerful impact without changing any tactical skill in sports. Developing positive self-talk strategies and mindset will help individuals handle adversity and increase their sports performance (Wagner 2023).

Finally, if individuals do not understand how to properly deal with pressure, challenges, or adversity, this can lead to fear and anxiety. Realising pressure is tied to performance, individuals in both the business and athletic environments must have ways to decrease pressure. Different strategies work differently for every individual. It is important for one to find specific strategies that work for them and add it to their “Personal Toolbox” of positive thinking strategies (Wagner 2023).

Imago coaches can help you develop and personalise the tools to fill your own strategy toolbox to promote your positive self talk!

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/positive-self-talk#turning-negatives-to-positives

Ay, K. M., Halaweh, R., and Al-Taieb, M. A. (2013). Positive self-talk and its effect on learning the grab start skill in swimming and self-efficacy improvement. Journal of Physical Education and Sport, 13(4), 578.

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2023, November 21). How to stop negative self-talk. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/positive-thinking/art-20043950

Wagner, M. (2023). Developing a Positive Self-Talk Toolbox.