Constructive self-talk

Confidence and Shyness · Beginner

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Turn your inner voice into your best coach: guide yourself, encourage yourself and speak to yourself fairly instead of with contempt.

Micro-habits to get started

Small actions of a few minutes to start this habit:

Listen to what you tell yourself

In a moment of stress or frustration, notice what you're saying to yourself inside.

You can't change a voice you don't listen to.
1 min
Talk to yourself in the second person

In a demanding situation, give yourself instructions and encouragement in the second person: 'you've got this, you prepared for it'.

'You' creates psychological distance and settles nerves better than 'I'.
1 min
Be specific, not global

Swap verdicts about your worth ('I'm useless') for concrete, actionable observations ('this part is hard for me, I'll practice it').

Talk to yourself like a good friend: we're usually far harder on ourselves.
1 min