The most important words you’ll ever hear are the ones you say to yourself. These are the words that become your “truths.” Today, make some time to become more aware of how positively or negatively you're talking about yourself.

Words paint vivid pictures of reality in your mind. Every time you speak, you’re making an impression on the unconscious mind. This impression has the potential of staying with you forever. Your words are so powerful that they can literally control your happiness, success and prosperity.

Your mind pays close attention to the sound of your voice, whether it is out loud or thought. Whatever you regularly repeat eventually become the “truths” that control day-to-day choices.

What you consistently say to yourself determines what you believe to be important in life. These self-talk messages become a vital part of your self-esteem. Ask yourself this question: If I talked to my best friend the way I normally talk to myself, would she/he still be my best friend?

Negative self-dialogue and unhealthy self-esteem go hand-in-hand. When negative self-talk becomes normal, it’s because you’ve accepted the negativity as truth. Negative self-talk has become part of your comfort zone. After time, the negativity has become normal and acceptable.

Here are two suggestions for becoming more aware of your day-to-day self-talk:

~ After a particularly stressful incident, consciously take time to listen to your inner self-talk and thoughts. What words and phrases are you repeating to yourself? Are they positive or negative? Are they encouraging or discouraging? Would you say these same words to your best friend if she/he were stressed?

~ What do you say to yourself after a compliment? If you’re going to talk negatively about yourself to yourself, it’s generally after receiving praise. Compliments are a good barometer for determining how good you feel about yourself. The healthier your self-esteem, the more comfortable you are with giving and receiving compliments. After a compliment, saying a simple “thank you” should come easily and effortlessly.


You can begin today to change any negative self-talk into positive self-talk.

*Catch yourself expressing negativity and quickly change the internal self-talk statement from negative to positive. Example: Thinking to yourself “I never do anything right,” immediately becomes, “I always do my best at whatever I attempt.”

*Regularly repeat positive statements to yourself to begin reprogramming negative self-talk into positive self-talk. These are called affirmations. Affirmations are short, present tense positive statements that work to reprogram your mind away from the negative and toward the positive. Example: “I am always on time.” “I control my day.” “I am worthy and deserving of success, happiness and unlimited prosperity.”

Healthy self-esteem is a direct reflection of how well you talk to yourself about yourself. Begin today to nurture positive self-talk. Treat yourself with love, respect and dignity. Be your own best friend!