Positive Self Talk

Positive self talk is a tool many successful people use to keep themselves focused and on the right track despite facing hardship or criticism. A great example of a famous person who does this is Tiger Woods.

If you ever get a chance to listen to a Tiger Woods interview, especially after he has a bad day on the golf course, listen closely. It's very interesting, because he never complains and never makes excuses and always talks about something he did well. For example, he might say something like: "the conditions were a little tough, and I wasn't driving the ball as well as I'd like, but, I was really putting well and my distance control was good." See? Even when he talked about something he wasn't doing well, he talked about it in a positive way ("I wasn't driving as well as I'd like," instead of "I drove poorly") and he finished his comment on a positive note, giving himself something to look forward to the next day, instead of something to worry about.

I once had an incredibly confident student at Park named Kristin. One of the secrets to her confidence was her natural way of using positive self talk.

When I'd introduce a new PE topic, like say, Ultimate Frisbee, she would analyze the skills needed for the game and say something like: "I can do this, I catch well." Or, "I should be good at this, because I'm fast." She would say these things to me, but was really saying them to herself to build her own confidence. And sure enough, she would do really well.

Each of you can do the same thing. In fact, this can be a healthy habit.

At the beginning of a challenge, like a math test, tell yourself something that will help you get through it. Examples: "I've worked on all of this before, so I'll be fine." or "I'm good at math" or if math isn't your best subject, "if I relax and take my time, I'll be fine."

Try it. It works. I do it all the time.

Social situations can be more difficult especially since your priorities, needs and interests will change as you get older. Old friends won't be any more. It happens to all of us, so try not to fret too much. In times like this positive self talk is a great tool, and what you tell yourself doesn't have to be complicated. It can be something as simple as:

I Am Somebody!