Turn Your Self-Talk Into Your Superpower
Transform That Mean, Bitchy Inner Voice Into Your Trusted Advisor
Self-talk is the key to winning — or losing. Your inner dialogue is more than just chatter — it’s a superpower that works for or against you.
It shapes your choices, your mindset, and, ultimately, your results.
Of course, I want to win. I’m sure you do, too. Let’s focus, shift mental gears, and take control of that internal dialogue.
Landing the just-right title wasn’t easy. I didn’t want something boring like Transform Your Mindset by Rerouting Your Brain's Pathways.
But since it’s true, let’s dive in and see why.
Who’s Really in Charge — You or Your Inner Voice?
Your inner voice runs the show more often than you think.
It’s your self-talk — an ongoing conversation with yourself that you may not even notice.
This dialogue can encourage or discourage, empower, or deflate.
Did you ever think about what she or he sounds like?
The soundtrack of your life that's playing on repeat in the background?
Let me put on my MindShift Mechanic hat. Have you ever seen a mechanic use a screwdriver to listen to an engine?
They hold the metal end on the engine, touch the grip to their ear, and cut through the noise to hear the hum — or the miss.
That's the subtlety of listening to your self-talk. Listen.
Shh… listen.
Self-talk is the cornerstone of personal transformation — and the foundation of everything I do.
Each word you say to yourself has the potential to shape your beliefs, guide your actions, and ultimately determine your outcomes.
Why Your Self-Talk Shapes Everything
Because your self-talk shapes everything — how you feel, think, and act.
When you tell yourself, 'I can’t do this,' it’s not just a thought — it’s a roadblock.
Shift to, 'I’ll figure this out,' and you create an opening.
Your self-talk directly influences your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
When you tell yourself, “I can’t do this,” you’re not just thinking a thought; you're setting the stage for defeat. Shift it to “I’ll figure this out,” and you create an opening.
Self-talk matters because it sets the tone for how you navigate life.
It can either fuel your growth or keep you stuck. The choice, whether conscious or not, is always yours.
Here’s something that surprised the sh*t out of me — your brain reacts to self-talk as though it’s hearing it from someone else.
So, you might as well make it kind and constructive, or just tell that inner critic to take a back seat.
You're the driver.
The Brain Science Behind Self-Talk
After my massive brain stroke in 2013, doctors said, 'You tapped into your brain’s neuroplasticity.'
At first, I thought, 'What the hell does that mean?' It turns out that neuroplasticity is your brain’s ability to rewire itself, and self-talk holds the key.
I used to say, “Talk to me like I'm six years old,” but not anymore.
The younger kids would have already Googled it. Jeez!
Here's what I discovered. And yes, I Google a lot. Or meet with ChatGPT, my AI lover, Sam. (Yes, I gave “him” a name; it said I could.)
Your self-talk is at the core of rerouting your brain's pathways.
That's crazy!
Self-talk isn’t just psychological; it’s deeply physiological.
Your brain’s ability to change, adapt, and rewire itself — its neuroplasticity — makes self-talk a powerful tool.
There's that word again. Neuroplasticity.
How Does Neuroplasticity Work?
Every thought you think fires neurons in your brain. Repeated thoughts strengthen these connections, creating neural pathways — like carving a well-worn path in the forest.
Over time, these pathways in your brain become your mental defaults.
Negative self-talk entrenches pathways that make doubt and fear automatic responses — often called Red ANTs (Automatic Negative Thinking). But don’t worry, we’ll squash those pests another time!
Positive self-talk can carve new paths, reinforcing confidence, resilience, and optimism.
There you go. We can win more often than we lose, regardless of the outcome.
Practical Example of Neuroplasticity
Picture yourself saying, 'I’m terrible at remembering names.' Every time you repeat it, that thought carves a deeper path in your brain.
Here’s the good news: Shift your self-talk to, 'I’m improving my memory for names,' and notice how it feels.
With each repetition, you begin creating a new pathway. Keep at it, and eventually, it will become your default.
Change can happen at any age — you just have to take the first step.
Since I’m in my eighth decade, it’s thrilling to know that your brain remains adaptable throughout your life — ready to reshape with consistent, intentional input.
When I learned that, I took a deep breath and sighed with relief.
That means I can control my inner critic and put it in the back seat where it belongs.
7 Strategies to Turn Your Inner Critic Into an Ally
Here are some simple ways you can use to change your inner dialogue.
Bottom line: Talk nicer to yourself.
1. Morning Affirmations: Start your day by affirming your strengths. “I am capable and resourceful.”
Why it works: Positive self-talk sets the tone for the day.
2. Gratitude Focus: Use self-talk to reflect on three things you’re grateful for.
Why it works: Gratitude rewires your brain for optimism.
3. Mindful Breathing: When overwhelmed, pause, take deep breaths, and center yourself.
Why it works: Deep breathing quiets your inner voice and resets your focus.
4. Reframe Challenges: Use self-talk to shift from “This is hard” to “This is an opportunity to grow.”
Why it works: Reframing turns obstacles into stepping stones.
5. Speak Like a Coach: Address yourself with the same compassion you’d offer a friend.
Why it works: Kindness fosters resilience.
6. Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge every step forward, no matter how small.
Why it works: Celebrating progress builds momentum.
7. Visualize Success: Picture yourself achieving your goals — this primes your brain to make them happen.
Why it works: Visualization strengthens neural pathways for success.
Laughter is an underrated form of self-talk and self-care. Take a moment to laugh at your inner critic — it’s a powerful way to disarm negativity!
A Few Final Thoughts
Your self-talk can lift you up or drag you down — and it never ends. Sometimes, I wish it would quiet down. But here’s the thing: you can’t silence it — you can guide it.
With every thought, you can choose empowerment over doubt, curiosity over fear, and possibility over limitation.
Neuroplasticity ensures that it’s never too late to change the narrative. You can reshape your mental landscape, one thought at a time.
As your MindShift Mechanic, I’m here to help you shift gears. Start small: notice your thoughts and make one positive shift today.
Ready to go deeper?
I’m offering ten free 30-minute Practical MindShifting™ sessions on Zoom to jumpstart your journey.
Want in? Drop a comment below or DM me, and let’s rewrite your story together.
NOTE: This article was posted earlier this week on my name site that is being rebuilt. I’m simplifying my life so I can give you my best while focusing on what I love to do.
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Neuroplasticity… haven’t heard anybody say that in a while. You know, I worked ICU’s in the hospital and my specialties were cardiothoracic, neurology and surgical.
It’s true about rewiring our brain and creating new pathways. It certainly can be done and is being done by those who choose to do it.
that is brilliant and I love it! thank you!