Over this past weekend, I noticed a few people - friends and loved ones - saying things about themselves that I perceived as rude or even cruel. “I’m so stupid”, “I’m falling apart”, I’m so bad at that!” and worse. I’ve also noticed that I sometimes use internal language with myself that I wouldn’t expect from any civilized person. But there I am.
In previous posts, I’ve written about knowing and expanding and living our core values. The best way to be true to these is to monitor yourself and speak to yourself only with kindness.
Sometimes under the guise of humility, and sometimes out of habit, it's easy to fall into the trap of negative self-talk and harsh self-criticism. However, the words we use when speaking to ourselves and others have a profound impact on our mental well-being, relationships, and overall quality of life. By cultivating positive self-talk, speaking with integrity, and using our words to spread truth and love, we can transform our lives and the lives of those around us.
Our inner dialogue shapes our perception of reality and our sense of self-worth. When we engage in negative self-talk, we undermine our confidence, limit our potential, and create unnecessary stress and anxiety. On the other hand, by practicing self-compassion and using kind, supportive words when speaking to ourselves, we foster resilience, motivation, and a healthy self-image.
To cultivate positive self-talk, start by becoming aware of your inner dialogue. Notice when you engage in self-criticism or use harsh, judgmental language. Then, consciously replace those negative thoughts with more supportive, encouraging ones. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would extend to a dear friend facing similar challenges.
In addition to being kind to ourselves, it's crucial to speak with integrity—both in our self-talk and in our interactions with others. Speaking with integrity means being honest, authentic, and true to our values. It involves saying what we mean and meaning what we say, even when it's difficult or uncomfortable. When we speak with integrity, we build trust and respect in our relationships. We create a sense of safety and authenticity that allows for deeper, more meaningful connections. Moreover, by aligning our words with our intentions and actions, we cultivate a sense of inner peace and congruence.
Our words have the power to heal or harm, to build up or tear down. When we speak against ourselves or others, we create a negative energy that ripples out into the world. We contribute to a culture of criticism, judgment, and disconnection.
On the other hand, when we use our words to express truth and love, we create a positive impact that extends far beyond ourselves. We have the power to uplift, inspire, and encourage others through the words we choose. By speaking with kindness, compassion, and understanding, we contribute to a more loving, supportive world.
To harness the power of our words, we must be intentional and mindful in our communication. Before speaking, take a moment to consider the impact of your words. Ask yourself: "Is what I'm about to say true, kind, and necessary?" By filtering our words through this lens of truth and love, we can ensure that our communication is aligned with our highest values and contributes to the greater good.
The practice of positive self-talk, speaking with integrity, and using our words to spread truth and love is essential for our personal and collective well-being. By cultivating kindness and authenticity in our communication, we create a ripple effect of positivity that touches the lives of everyone we encounter. As we become more mindful of the power of our words, we can transform ourselves and the world around us, one conversation at a time.
Miquel Ruiz wrote a powerful book entitled, “The Four Agreements”. The first of these is “Be Impeccable With Your Word.” This was the inspiration of my thoughts on the power of positive self-talk. It’s a book that found me at a time when I needed it most. If you haven’t read it — check it out. I highly recommend it.
Paul Kiewiet MAS+ is an industry speaker, writer, consultant and coach. He serves as the executive director of MiPPA. Kiewiet was inducted into the PPAI Hall of Fame and the MiPPA Hall of Fame. He served as Chairman of PPAI in 2007. A former distributor, he founded Promotion Concepts, Inc in 1982 and worked with some of America’s most valuable brands including Coca-Cola, Kelloggs, and Whirlpool.