Increase your performance - positive self-talk

We have to learn to cease attacking our self-image at those times when our performance does not live up to our expectations because our negative self-talk will only increase poor performance. So

how do we correct this? The first thing we need to say to ourselves when we are engaged in negative self-talk is, "Stop it!" Then follow up with a statement such as "That’s not like me." The next phase is the key phrase. Say to yourself, "The next time I will….”Then make an affirmation of how you are going to do it next time. Shut off the old picture. Shut off the negative movement. Don't tolerate poor performance from yourself or others, but don't put yourself or others down by focusing on what is wrong. Just say, "The next time…I will do it this way." If we are working with others we can say, "The next time I want you to approach the client this way," or "The next time you will do it like this." What you are doing with these statements is giving positive and immediate feedback to your subconscious. Instead of recording the negative picture, you trigger the picture of the performance you want. The key to reinforcing an already existing positive self-image or modifying your self-image for the better is to visualize what you want your performance to look like the next time and to stop picturing, thinking about and talking about what you are trying to avoid.

When your performance pleases you and you feel good about it, you should use positive self-talk to reinforce the positive picture. Affirm to yourself, "That's the way I am." "That's like me." Positive self-talk statements are the best way to maintain or build your own self-esteem. They deliberately cancel out the negative put-downs we apply to ourselves or to the opinions other people try to make us accept about ourselves.