Improve Your Self-Talk

The week started on a high note with a fantastic experience—I had the privilege of working with one of my favourite clients, Springfield Training in Leeds. I’ve partnered with them for a couple of years, and they are an outstanding company.
 
CEO Noel Johnson has invited me to deliver my three Masterclasses over three months, and Monday was the first session. The energy and engagement in the room were incredible, and the feedback—something I always value—was overwhelmingly positive.
 
What I find fascinating about these sessions is that I delivered them to the staff just over two years ago, yet this time, everyone took away something new. This happens because each person is in a different place in their journey, so they connect with different insights.
 
I’ve heard this many times before from people who have attended multiple sessions. They always leave with fresh and powerful takeaways, proving that learning is a continuous process of growth and discovery.
 
 
Spending quality time in the morning.
 
Julie and I enjoy having quality conversations and reflecting on different things first thing in the morning. She loves reading aloud; today, she read from Word for Today. The message really resonated with me, especially as I prepare for the week ahead.
 
This week, I’ll be delivering Masterclasses to Rolls-Royce and postgraduate students at Nottingham Trent University. On Wednesday, I’ll present my Productivity Breakthrough Masterclass, which includes a section on self-belief.
 
One key part of this is the Inner Voice, which, interestingly, aligns with the words Julie read this morning. It’s a powerful reminder of how our thoughts shape our confidence and success.
 
 
Here’s what she read.
 
“Whether you know it or not, you have an ongoing conversation with yourself. How does it sound? Do you encourage yourself? Or do you condemn yourself? If you are positive, then you strengthen your positive self-image.
 
If you are negative, you weaken your self-worth. If you’re serious about improving your life, you must improve how you think of yourself. And to do that, you must change the way you talk to yourself.
 
And the older you grow, the more responsible you are for the way you think, talk, and believe. Don’t you already have enough problems? Why give yourself more by discouraging yourself with negative self-talk? Turn into your own encourager.
 
Each time you do a good job, compliment yourself. Each time you choose discipline over indulgence, don’t tell yourself that you should have done that anyway; appreciate how much you are helping yourself.
 
Each time you make a mistake, don’t rehearse everything wrong with yourself; tell yourself that you’re paying the price for growth and will learn to do better next time.
The word for today is – improve your self-talk.”
 
 
Improve your self-talk.
 
Here are some ways to improve your self-talk. Try these out and see how your self-talk improves.
 
1. Catch Your Thoughts
Write down negative thoughts during the day. At night, review them and ask if they are true or helpful. If not, change them. Instead of “I’m not good at this,” say, “I am learning and improving.”
 
2. Use Positive Affirmations
Each morning, say three good things about yourself in front of a mirror. For example, “I am strong” or “I can handle problems.” The more you repeat them, the more you’ll believe them.
 
3. Change “I Can’t” to “I Can”
When you say, “I can’t,” add “yet.” For example, “I can’t do this”, → “I can’t do this yet, but I’m trying.” This makes you feel more motivated.
 
4. Gratitude List
Before bed, think of three things you’re grateful for. This will help you focus on the good in your life.
 
5. Visualize Success
Close your eyes and imagine yourself succeeding. Seeing yourself do well helps build confidence.
 
6. Replace Self-Criticism with Kindness
When you make a mistake, don’t be too hard on yourself. Instead of “I’m stupid,” say, “I made a mistake, but I can learn.”
 
7. Deep Breathing for a Clear Mind
Breathe in for four seconds, hold for four, then breathe out for four. This helps calm your mind and reset your thoughts.
 
8. Surround Yourself with Positivity
Spend time with people who support you. Read, listen, or watch things that inspire and uplift you.
 
 
Thoughts for the week. 

1. How do you usually talk to yourself when you make a mistake?
2. What is one negative thought you often repeat, and how could you reframe it into something positive?
3. What are three positive affirmations you could start saying to yourself daily?
4. What is an area in your life where you could apply the idea of “I can’t do this yet, but I am trying”?
5. What is one thing you could say to yourself each morning to start the day with confidence? 

 
Well, that’s it for this week. Have a wonderful weekend, and keep believing.
 
Warm regards

John

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