Practice Positive Self Talk

            Most of us undergo constant mental chatter throughout the day.  Unfortunately, we sometimes find that this self talk is often negative.  I am going to show you some steps to overcome this negative chatter, and replace it with positive self talk.

Step 1.  You first need to eliminate this internal negative chatter.  First, stop angering yourself over things you can't control, such as moving to a new town or going to a new school.  Saying "I can't" creates a mental barrier between you and your goals.  Instead, try thinking of how you can make the most out of it by looking for an opportunity that only a fresh start can provide. 

Step 2.  Next you need to replace negative chatter and use a positive attitude.  The more you think highly of yourself, a more happier and relaxed individual you will be.  It is also good to confront your fears.  Fear can often hold you back from success.  You will usually find that the worst that can happen is not as bad as you think.  When you let go of your fears, you have the energy you need to use towards having a positive outlook.  

Here are some quotes that people said years ago, that due to people practicing positive self talk, have been proven completely false.

1. "There is no reason for any individual to have a computer in their home."

-Kenneth Olsen, President and Founder of Digital Equipment Corporation, in 1977

2. "Airplanes are interesting toys but of no military value."

-Marshal Ferdinand Foch, French Military Strategist and Future World War I Commander, in 1911

3. "[Man will never reach the moon] regardless of all future scientific advances."

-Dr. Lee De Forest, Inventor of the Audion Tube and Father of Radio, on February 25, 1967

4. "[Television] won't be able to hold on to any market it captures after the first six months. People will soon get tired of staring at a plywood box every night."

-Darryl F. Zanuck, Head of 20th Century Fox, in 1946

5. "This 'telephone' has too many shortcomings to be seriously considered as a means of communication. The device is inherently of no value to us."

-Western Union Internal Memo, in 1876

6. "Everything that can be invented has been invented."

-Charles H. Duell, U.S. Commissioner of Patents, in 1899

Again... all of these comments have been proven false, due to someone's power of positive thinking.

Step 3.  The last step is focus on enjoyable moments. You will retain a much happier attitude if you focus on these instead of the difficult ones.  Once you have drawn upon obstacles in life that you have overcome, it is much easier to look ahead to see what more you can accomplish later in life.

Remember... one of my favorite quotes that I live by is ... whether you believe you will or you won't, you're right.

-Tristan

National 4-H Healthy Living Ambassador, CA