The Secret to Self-Talk

This year has been a year of me intentionally doing things.

In deciding to be intentional about what I am doing, I have stretched myself and learned to do things despite my fear. Through this process of stretching myself and doing things scared, I’ve become aware of the significant role my self-talk plays in influencing my actions and decisions.

One notable example of this was when I went skating, which I hadn’t done since high school. On the way to the skating rink, I reminisced about how much fun it used to be to meet up with friends, hang out, skate, dance to the songs, and have a good time. I thought it would be like that again at my age, despite not being on skates in years.

Even though I remembered how to skate, the thought of “Don’t fall” kept running through my mind. Halfway through the night, an older gentleman offered some pointers to help me. The first thing he asked me was what I was thinking about and saying to myself.

I confidently said, “Don’t fall.”

He kindly smiled at me and reminded me that our minds respond to what we think, unable to process the word “No.” So, by thinking “Don’t fall,” my brain interpreted it as “Fall!” He suggested I change my self-talk to “Skate” and proceeded to provide me with valuable tips to make it easier.

Immediately after changing my self-talk from “Don’t fall” to “Skate” there was an ease and relaxation in my body. With this mindset and mini-lesson, I found myself skating around the rink with greater ease and confidence.

Although I’m still far from where I want to be in terms of skating skills, I’m excited about the possibilities that lie ahead as I continue to pursue it.

This experience served as a powerful reminder of the impact that self-talk has on the way I show up in life. It’s remarkable how a simple shift in our thoughts and words can make a significant difference in our actions and outcomes.