Catherine Graham is an Eskaton guest blogger and the wellness coordinator at Eskaton Support Center. 

“Ugh, I made another mistake!” “I’m such a dummy!” “I just can’t seem to get it right today!” There’s probably a good chance that, at some point in the recent past, you’ve said something similar to yourself. Did you know that the average adult talks to themselves at a rate of 600-800 words per minute, and that 75% of what we say (either out loud or in our heads) about ourselves is negative?! Even the most positive among us tend fall into the trap of negative self-talk when we don’t perform at a level that we expect or when we catch ourselves not paying attention to details that matter.

Studies have also shown that we tend to believe the things we say to ourselves because our brains think we have no motivation to lie. This harmful tendency is why some people don’t feel worthy of praise or love or kindness, or even acknowledgement for the good work they do. They are so critical of themselves that they set limits on their own success and achievements because they tell themselves “I can’t.”  

To avoid these pit-falls, we need monitor our own self talk.  Fortunately, there is a very effective, yet simple step (yes, just one) to change that negative self-talk – it’s simple, but not easy.  

Remember, it’s not complicated…

But it’s going to be a challenge for some of you.

Are you ready?

Here it is: Accept all compliments with a “thank you”.

Begin to see yourself through the eyes of the people praising you and validating your work and opinions.  It’s ok to recognize and acknowledge your faults, but don’t ruminate on them or wear them like a cloak of failure. When we are kind to ourselves, we open our minds to doing and becoming more than we ever thought possible! We are more open to new ideas, new adventures, and new opportunities!

Try a little self-love today. You deserve it!

To learn more about ways to improve your emotional well-being, visit our blog!