Self-talk

[bushido_man96]

The topic of visualization got me to thinking about self-talk. How many of you do this from time to time? I try to do it every now and again, especially while training, to help get me over a hump.

[Jiffy]

What do you mean? You mean telling yourself stuff or somethin'?

[bushido_man96]

Yeah. It is like, when you are getting ready to work out, and you want to improve your speed. You tell yourself that you are fast. You punch fast, you step fast, you kick fast, etc. Loren Christensen talks about it in some of his books, and it helps to reinforce postives as opposed to focusing on things you can't do well.

[alsey]

i do it without noticing it really, i think i've always done it. i guess it adds confidence.

[Jiffy]

Yeah, I do this. Only when I'm striving against something really difficult though.

[lordtariel]

I do this sometimes to psych myself up, but it's usually in my head, not out loud.

[bushido_man96]

Yeah, self-talk is usually silent speak to yourself, although, when by yourself, you could utter quietly to yourself. I think it is supposed to be a very meditative type of activity.

In his book, Christensen referred to it as making a tape recording of positive points, and then playing it back in your head over and over again to filter out all of the negatives that you let get into your head, like thinking you can't kick fast and things like that.

[bygolly]

I find that self talk is one of the most important contributors to success or failure in any endeavor. If I doubt myself, or allow someone else's doubt to influence me... it's very difficult to be successful. Doesn't matter if I'm talking about performing a newly learned kata, sparring, doing a presentation at work, or winning someone over to my point of view. Personal and professional development books always talk about surrounding yourself with supportive, successful people; people you want to grow up to be like. And yes, the people you surround yourself with can influence the outcome of your efforts. BUT, the person you spend the most time with is yourself. Your self talk can be effective if it is positive and focused, and extremely powerful. We are the outward manifestations of our inward musings.

[Empty_Hand]

I like the idea of "self talk" I have pretty much done this kind of thing throughout my life. I've always considered it kind of an opportunity for some honest reflecting in a thinking out loud kind of way. I normally always do this in solitude, other wise I could be considered a babbling fool LOL

[bushido_man96]

I like the idea of "self talk" I have pretty much done this kind of thing throughout my life. I've always considered it kind of an opportunity for some honest reflecting in a thinking out loud kind of way. I normally always do this in solitude, other wise I could be considered a babbling fool LOL

I have heard that it is ok to talk to yourself; you just don't want to answer yourself!