Welcome:
As the calendar pages turn, the year’s end becomes a natural time for reflection. In the quiet moments of self-reflection, the whispers in our minds grow louder. Let’s explore the art of year-end self-talk—a practice that can shape not only how we perceive the past but also how we step into the future. Most people think January is the time to start fresh but I’m learning that one of the best times to take a journey of rewriting our narratives and re-tuning our minds through the power of positive self-talk and transformation begins around the holiday season.
Talk About it:
Why? Because it can be a mental springboard for success before the upcoming goal-setting sessions and vision board parties that will soon flood your inboxes and social media feeds. Year-end reflections often come with a flood of thoughts, judgments, and assessments. I used to focus heavily on the judgment. Then I realized the impact of self-talk during this introspective period and the power it held in shaping my outlook for the upcoming year. I also had to learn and embrace the difference between self-judgment and self-assessment. I invite you to do the same.
A shift in perspective about self-reflections can shift your thinking from moments of regret to opportunities for growth. Case studies from Positive Psychology and other sources indicate that positive self-talk can contribute to increased resilience and better emotional well-being. This isn’t about faking it until you make it or being pollyanna about a situation. Our subconscious minds are literal and we can reprogram our thoughts about a situation without dwelling in regret about what we cannot change. It’s the positive thoughts, or calculated response, we can recreate about the event that builds our resilience and mental fortitude towards the outcome. Here’s another way to think about it. Neither the event nor the outcome has changed but we can shift how we think about the way we could have or should have reacted or not reacted without feeling shame or guilt. This is an extended perspective on event + response = outcome. It is my hope that these words remind you to shift from self-criticism to self-empowerment, which at times can be a very fine line.
If you think about it, I’m sure you can identify several successful people who attribute their success to the power of positive self-talk and self-empowerment regardless of the event. In moments of doubt, the person intentionally shifted their internal dialogue, fostered a mindset that propelled them to overcome challenges and achieve the goal or dream they desired. I’m sure you have had moments like this well but you’ve probably used positive self-talk subconsciously.
During this holiday season I challenge you to engage in a week-long experiment. (Or at least for the next 3 days):
- Take a brief pause in your day when you notice a negative thought. This will most likely be a recurring or dominant negative thought since we have about 60,000 thoughts per day with 75% -80% of them being negative.
- Think about the equation E + R = O (event + response = outcome) and focus on your response.
- Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations and afFORmations (two different concepts).
- Track your mood and productivity to witness the tangible impact of this subtle but transformative practice.
- Briefly reflect on what you noticed at the end of the experiment. (Yes, reflect on your reflection 🙂 )
Final Word:
As you embark on your year-end reflection journey, recognize the transformative power of your inner dialogue. In rewriting your narrative, you not only shape your perception of the past but you are laying the foundation for a future filled with possibilities and desired results. It’s time to not only rewrite your narrative but it’s time to pave the way for a year filled with growth, resilience, and success.
Happy Reflecting. Until next time,
~Vernita
Vernita Glenn-White, Ph.D.
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