What is Your Inner Voice Telling You?

As I sat this morning reading out loud my positive affirmations, I thought about a coaching client I have been working with whose life has been transformed by the knowledge that their inner voice is significantly impacting their mental health.
 
As we worked through the coaching sessions, they took control of their inner voice and are now in a brilliant place, and the email I received yesterday confirms this. This is an excerpt from this email:
 
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you from the bottom of my heart. When I started these sessions, I never thought they would take me as far as they did.”
 
 
Your inner voice
 
Our thoughts directly affect us in a very powerful way. Often referred to as our Inner Voice, these thoughts can make or break us.  This voice, also referred to as self-talk or internal monologue, is the stream of thoughts and dialogue that continually runs through our minds.
 
This voice can be positive or negative, influencing our feelings and energy levels. It can encourage us or, discourage us, lift us or bring us down. If we are not aware of this voice, we can’t do anything about it, but if we are aware, we can improve this inner voice to change our lives significantly.
 
This continual dialogue can influence our entire lives, and if negative talk isn’t addressed, it can have a huge impact on our ability to live productive, healthy, happy lives.
 
 
Types of Inner Voices
 
Positive Inner Voice: Encouraging and supportive, this voice can boost confidence, motivate us, and help us stay optimistic.
 
Negative Inner Voice: Critical and discouraging, this voice can lead to self-doubt, anxiety, and negative thinking patterns. It can be a source of stress and hinder our ability to achieve goals.
 
 
A negative inner voice can significantly impact various aspects of an individual’s mental, emotional, and even physical well-being. Here are some of the primary effects:
 
 
Mental Health
 
Increased Anxiety and Depression: A negative inner voice often magnifies worries and fears, contributing to heightened anxiety. Persistent self-criticism and negative thinking can also lead to or exacerbate depression.
 
Lower Self-Esteem: Constant negative self-talk can erode self-esteem, making individuals feel unworthy, inadequate, or incapable. This can lead to a lack of confidence in one’s abilities and decisions.
 
 
Emotional Well-Being
 
Emotional Distress: Negative self-talk can cause significant emotional distress, leading to feelings of sadness, frustration, and hopelessness. It can create a pervasive sense of negativity that affects one’s overall outlook on life.
 
Reduced Resilience: Individuals with a harsh inner critic may find it harder to bounce back from setbacks and challenges. They might dwell on failures and mistakes, seeing them as reflections of their worth.
 
 
Behavioural Impact
 
Avoidance and Procrastination: Negative self-talk can lead to avoidance behaviours and procrastination. Fear of failure or criticism can prevent individuals from taking action or trying new things.
 
Impulsivity and Risk-Taking: Some may engage in risky or impulsive behaviours to escape or counteract negative feelings about themselves.
 
 
Physical Health
 
Stress-Related Health Issues: Chronic stress from ongoing negative self-talk can contribute to physical health problems, including headaches, digestive issues, and weakened immune function.
 
Sleep Disturbances: Worrying and rumination fueled by a negative inner voice can lead to difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep, further impacting overall health and well-being.
 
 
Social Relationships
 
Social Withdrawal: Low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy can lead to social withdrawal, as individuals might fear rejection or judgment from others.
 
Conflict in Relationships: Negative self-talk can also spill over into interactions with others, potentially leading to misunderstandings, conflicts, and strained relationships.
 
 
Personal and Professional Growth
 
Stifled Personal Growth: Individuals may avoid pursuing personal goals or trying new experiences due to fear of failure or the belief that they are not good enough.
 
Limited Professional Development: Negative self-talk can hinder career advancement in a professional setting. It may cause individuals to underperform, avoid taking on new responsibilities, or fail to advocate for themselves.
 
 
Managing a Negative Inner Voice
 
Addressing and managing a negative inner voice involves several strategies:
 
Mindfulness and Awareness: The first step is to become aware of negative self-talk. Mindfulness practices can help individuals observe their thoughts without judgment.
 
Cognitive Behavioural Techniques: Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) can help identify and challenge distorted thinking patterns, replacing them with more balanced and positive thoughts.
 
Positive Affirmations: Regularly practising positive affirmations can help reframe negative thoughts and promote a more positive inner dialogue.
 
Self-Compassion: Treating oneself with kindness and understanding can counteract the harshness of a negative inner voice.
 
Seeking Professional Help: Therapists and counsellors can provide valuable support and strategies for managing negative self-talk and improving mental health.
 
Addressing a negative inner voice can significantly improve your mental and emotional well-being, leading to a more fulfilling and balanced life.
 
 
They worked for me.
 
One significant way I have reduced my negative inner voice is to read out loud a list of positive affirmations daily. I was first introduced to affirmations when I worked in radio in the Northeast of England 40 years ago, and they helped me tremendously.
 
Affirmations work on the subconscious mind and rewire your brain. Next week, I will explain the science behind this technique and give you some great examples of affirmations that you can use to improve your personal inner voice.
 
 
Thoughts for the week 

1. Are you aware of your Inner Voice?
2. Your inner voice never stops; it continues in the background.
3. This week, be aware of your inner voice and observe what it says.
4. Is it predominantly positive or negative?
5. Google affirmations and learn a bit more about this in readiness for my next blog, when I will share more about the power of affirmations. 

 
Well, that’s it for this week. Have a wonderful weekend and watch your thoughts. 
 
Warm regards

John