Take a moment and ask yourself honestly: How do you speak to yourself?
The conversation happening inside your mind, your inner dialogue, is the most important one you will ever have. It's the narrator of your life, the critic, the cheerleader, and sometimes, the saboteur. Yet, for many of us, this constant internal chatter goes unchecked.
The words we use in our own heads have a profound, often unnoticed, impact on our self-esteem, confidence, and ability to tackle challenges.
Awareness: The First Compassionate Step
The journey toward a kinder, more resourceful inner dialogue begins with one simple, compassionate step: Awareness.
We cannot change what we do not recognise.
Start listening in. What language are you using when you make a mistake, look in the mirror, or feel stressed?
I recently recognised one of my own long-standing, habitual inner phrases was, "Stupid woman." It's harsh, dismissive, and certainly not something I would ever utter to a friend, colleague, or even a stranger. Yet, I allowed it to be a frequent mantra in my own mind. Becoming aware of this phrase hearing it clearly was the jolt I needed to start making a change.
You Are Already Hypnotised (By Yourself) 🧠
Here’s the powerful truth about your inner dialogue: You are alreadhypnotizesed by the mantras and words you frequently say to yourself.
Every time you repeat a negative phrase like "I’m not good enough," "I always fail at this," or "I'll never learn," you are delivering a potent form of autosuggestion
Your subconscious mind doesn't debate these statements; it simply accepts them as directives and shapes your reality around them.
These frequent, repetitive statements become the deeply embedded programmes that run your life. If the programme is one of self-criticism, your energy, mood, and actions will reflect that criticism.
Making the Shift: Becoming Your Own Kindest Ally
Once you have identified the unhelpful phrases, you are ready to make the shift. The goal isn't to silence the inner voice completely, but to reframe and redirect it with intention.
Stop and Rephrase: When you catch the harsh phrase (e.g., "Stupid woman"), immediately interrupt it. You don't have to argue with it, just replace it.
Use Resourceful Language: Replace the criticism with a constructive, compassionate statement.
Instead of: "I always mess things up."
Try: "I made a mistake, and I am learning from it. I can do better next time."
Instead of: "I'm so stressed and overwhelmed."
Try: "I'm feeling a lot right now. I will take one small step at a time."
Practice Affirmations (Self-Hypnosis): Introduce positive, self-affirming language to intentionally reprogramme your subconscious. These affirmations should focus on your worth, capability, and resilience. Focus on feeling the truth of the statement, not just saying the words.
Remember, the relationship you have with yourself is foundational. By choosing awareness and deliberately injecting kindness and constructive support into your inner world, you are not just being nice, you are actively reprogramming your potential.
Choose to be your own kindest, most resourceful ally today.
How do you plan to rephrase one of your limiting internal mantras this week?
Share your thoughts below!