Have you ever had these thoughts while out running?
“I’m not good enough to run this race.”
“I’m too slow.”
“I give up.”
“Everyone is fitter than me.”
Know that you are not alone, and these thoughts are common for all runners of all abilities, yes even the elites suffer from negative self-talk.
Negative self-talk can lead to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, which can then cause a lack of motivation.
It is possible to develop a more positive mindset with these 7 tips.
The following advice is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional help. If you are struggling with negative self-talk, please seek the advice of a therapist or counsellor.
Identify your negative self-talk
The first step to overcoming negative self-talk is to become aware of it.
Pay attention to the thoughts that you have about yourself, especially when you are feeling down or stressed.
What are you saying to yourself? Are your thoughts realistic and helpful, or are they negative and self-defeating?
Challenge your negative thoughts
Once you have identified your negative self-talk, challenge it. Ask yourself the following:
- Are these thoughts true?
- Are you being fair to yourself?
- Is there another way to look at the situation?
Replace negative thoughts with positive ones
When you have a negative thought, replace it with a positive one. This may seem difficult at first, but it gets easier with practice. For example, if you have a thought like “I’m never going to be good enough,” replace it with “I’m learning and growing every day.”
Even breaking it down even further to “I am enough” because you are.
Be kind to yourself
Talk to yourself the way you would talk to your best friend.
If your best friend were having these thoughts, what would you tell them?
Apply that principle to yourself.
Be patient, understanding, and supportive.
Don’t beat yourself up for making mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes. Mistakes do not make you less.
Focus on your strengths
Make a list of your strengths and accomplishments. When you are feeling down, look at your list (if you can) but remind yourself of all the good things about yourself.
Practice gratitude
Take some time each day to reflect on the things you are grateful for. This can help to shift your focus away from negative thoughts and towards positive ones.
Get help
If you are struggling to overcome negative self-talk on your own, don’t be afraid to seek professional help. A therapist can teach you techniques to manage your negative thoughts and develop a more positive mindset.
Overcoming negative self-talk takes time and effort, but it is possible. By following these tips, you can learn to challenge your negative thoughts, replace them with positive ones, and be kinder to yourself. With practice, you can develop a more positive mindset that will help you achieve your goals and live a happier, more fulfilling life.