A Walk Along The Road

Take control of your negative self-talk

Girl looking out a window - negative self-talk
As a manager, it is important to understand how negative self-talk can impact your work and your team. Negative self-talk can lead to decreased confidence, increased stress, and ultimately, burnout.

Here are some tips to help you manage negative self-talk:

  1. Recognise negative self-talk: Start by identifying when you're engaging in negative self-talk. Pay attention to your thoughts and notice when you're being overly critical or pessimistic.

Here are a few thoughts that may help shift a pessimistic perspective:

  • Remember that everything is temporary. Even if you're going through a tough time now, it won't last forever.
  • Focus on the things you can control. Sometimes it's easy to get bogged down by things that are out of our control, but try to shift your focus to the things you can do something about.
  • Practice gratitude. Even when things aren't going well, there are always things to be grateful for. Take a few minutes to think about what you're thankful for in your life.
  • Reach out for help. If you're really struggling, don't hesitate to reach out to a friend, family member, or professional for support. You don't have to go through it alone.

If negative self-talk is having an impact on you please try these actions daily;

  1. Reframe your thoughts: Once you've identified negative self-talk, consciously reframe your thoughts into more positive, realistic ones. For example, instead of thinking "I'm not doing a good job," try "I'm doing the best I can with the resources available."
  2. Practice self-compassion: Give yourself the same kindness and understanding you would offer to a friend. Remember that everyone makes mistakes and has areas for improvement.
  3. Seek support: Don't be afraid to seek support from colleagues, mentors, or a coach. Talking through your challenges with someone else can help you gain perspective and develop coping strategies.

By managing negative self-talk, you can improve your leadership skills and create a more positive work environment for your team.

For more information check out my video here
Leadership Self-awareness