What does your inner voice say about you? Are you kind and encouraging to yourself or are you harsh and critical?
Interestingly, research shows that many of us talk to ourselves in ways we should never verbalize to someone else. This can be a problem because that kind of internal negative talk activates our threat response and tends to be demotivating.
So what should we do? When you find yourself not meeting your own expectations, treat yourself as you would a good friend – with kindness, warmth, and compassion. Remind yourself that no one is perfect in this world.
Give yourself a personal pep talk! Consider talking to yourself using “you” instead of I and me. For example, try telling yourself, “today was hard for you. Just remember, tomorrow is another day. I believe in you.”