🧭Self-Talk Improves Your Confidence and Mindset

Good Day, and welcome to The Growth Compass. We are like that first fresh cup of coffee in the morning - giving you the boost you need to go and conquer your day.

Here’s where we’re headed today:

• Adam Grant on self-talk

• Why your self-talk is powerful

• How talking in the 2nd person improves your confidence

• Adam Grant and Allyson Felix on self-talk

Adam Grant on Self-Talk

"Your motivation is not just affected by what other people say to you. It’s influenced by what you say to yourself."

- Adam Grant

Why Your Inner Circle Is Important

Your self-talk is powerful. Your self-talk is either going to empower or defeat you. Negative self-talk is common, but you have to eliminate it or reframe it if you want to succeed.

We've all caught ourselves in moments of self-talk, that internal monologue we engage in without even realizing it. Psychologists call this phenomenon "external self-talk," and it goes beyond mere eccentricity. Research underscores that how you talk to yourself matters more than you might think.

The language that you choose to talk to yourself with provides you with a tool to gain distance from your experiences. It allows you to reflect on your lives more objectively. This is where the significance of self-talk lies. When we address ourselves, we're essentially seeking to view things from a neutral standpoint.

The two common types of self-talk are instructional and motivational. Instructional self-talk helps us navigate tasks effectively, while motivational self-talk pushes us forward with affirmations like "I can do this."

The benefits of improving your self-talk are:

1. Enhanced Confidence: You create a supportive and encouraging internal narrative. When you believe in your abilities, you are more likely to take on challenges and achieve your goals.

2. Reduced Stress and Anxiety: You know how to manage negative self-talk and events. By reframing situations in a more positive light and focusing on solutions rather than problems, you can manage stress and anxiety more effectively.

3. Improved Performance: Positive self-talk can enhance performance by boosting motivation and focus. When you encourage yourself with positive affirmations, you are more likely to approach tasks with a growth mindset and a can-do attitude.

4. Better Problem-Solving: When faced with challenges, self-talk that promotes optimism and adaptability can enhance your problem-solving abilities. You are more likely to explore various solutions and remain open to learning from your experiences.

5. Increased Resilience: Positive self-talk contributes to psychological resilience, helping you bounce back from setbacks and adversity. By maintaining a positive outlook, you can overcome obstacles and maintain your emotional well-being.

Talking to Yourself in 2nd Person Can Improve Your Confidence

Researchers have discovered that the way we address ourselves during internal conversations can significantly impact our performance and emotional well-being. The study, titled "Self-Talk as a Regulatory Mechanism: How You Do It Matters," sheds light on the intriguing phenomenon of using the second person when talking to oneself.

In this study, conducted by psychologists from various institutions, participants were prompted to engage in self-talk related to challenging tasks or stressful situations. What stood out was the influence of speaking from different perspectives—speaking to oneself in the second person (e.g., "You can do this") rather than the first person (e.g., "I can do this"). Surprisingly, the study found that using the second person had profound effects on both the participants' mindset and their performance outcomes.

The importance of talking to oneself in the second person lies in its ability to create psychological distance. It allows you to view yourself from a more objective standpoint and reduces the emotional intensity of the situation. By doing this, you enhance your self-regulation, making it easier to manage stress, anxiety, and self-doubt.

The study's takeaway is clear: when confronted with challenges or stressors, adopting a second-person self-talk approach can help individuals detach from their immediate emotional reactions and approach the situation with greater clarity and confidence. By addressing ourselves as an encouraging and objective friend, we can navigate challenges with increased resilience and optimism.

Takeaways:

1. Your self-talk is important and can make a difference in how you perform and manage stress on a day-to-day basis.

2. Use self-talk in the second person (“You got this.”) to help during those tough moments.

3. Remind people of their self-talk when moments are tough because that is what they will lean on when confronted with challenges.

Adam Grant and Allyson Felix on Self-Talk

How U.S. Track and Field Olympian Allyson Felix uses self-talk to overcome challenges and be more motivated.

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