Our brains are built of millions of maps. What our brain hears, it will believe, even if it is not true. This is why language has a direct impact on mindset. Neurons wire and fuse together when we have experiences and the more frequent and repetitive those experiences, are, the stronger those connections in the brain get. This is the same when it hears a message. Language is so powerful because it creates a pattern of thought in our mind which is used for different areas in our life. It creates a filter for how we hear and interpret the world around us. It has a direct impact on our mindset.
So often people forget about the power language has on our relationship with ourselves and the world around us. What our brain hears, it will believe.
Think about how you talk to yourself. Do you use words like NEVER and ALWAYS? This type of all or nothing thinking can keep us stuck in the same maladaptive patterns. It also tells our brain that we are unable to change. It can negatively impact self-esteem and lower our mental health.
Tip: Try adding YET to the end of a sentence. This changes the energy and adds the optimism that we can change and achieve something we want.
Example: I’m never going to have enough money for a vacation. à I don’t have enough money for a vacation yet.
Sure, you cannot book your ticket to Aruba today, but the second sentence offers the hope that ONE DAY you might. This changes the way the brain things from being stuck to having opportunity to change.
Try doing the same with self talk. DO you often pick out your mistakes and criticize yourself? Can you be compassionate and show yourself some love instead?
Give it a try and remember, old habits die hard. If you catch negative self-talk. It is OK to forgive it and let it go.
Take good care,
Jen