Thinking and Doing

We are what we say to ourselves. This is based on our self-talk.

If we give ourselves positive ‘can do’ messages, we start with an advantage.

If we start by having self-talk based on doubts, then the negative ‘can’t do it’ mindset is a barrier.

Every student has an internal play of the day script. Some scripts lead to confidence, effort and resilience. Others who have ‘can’t do’ self-talk undermine confidence and efforts.

How do I know? In my work as a psychologist, I have coached many who struggled with a personal script of self-doubt. Over time, it was possible, in most cases, to increase self-confidence without becoming arrogant.

Indeed, I had to train myself, via positive self-talk, to be a ‘can do’ person after experiences at school that undermined my confidence.

The difference between self-doubt and self-confidence lies in the words we silently repeat in our minds. Those who develop positive self-talk—and convert it into constructive behaviour—have a higher probability of succeeding.

They approach challenges with a belief that improvement is possible. They persist when things go wrong. They learn and adapt from their experience. Their self-talk becomes a guide for everyday decisions, relationships and learning.

Students can learn positive self-talk, just as they learn to read, write, or do mathematics. In our work at Amazing People Schools, we help them do exactly that by studying the lives of extraordinary individuals such as Albert Einstein, Marie Curie, Nelson Mandela and Harriet Tubman.

Each of these amazing people faced enormous difficulties. Yet each one told themselves, in their own way, “I can succeed.”

Their stories show students that positive self-talk is not wishful thinking; it is a practical tool for overcoming obstacles. Positive self-talk is the key to positive mental health.

Below are the 10 skills that students can learn, each supported by a simple self-talk phrase they can use in daily life.

The 10 Positive Self-talk Factors

1. Focus
Staying on task and managing distractions.
Student self-talk: “I can focus for the next few minutes and get this done.”

2. Confidence
Believing in one’s ability to try, learn and improve.
Student self-talk: “I believe I can do this if I give it a go.”

3. Patience
Accepting that progress takes time.
Student self-talk: “I can use my time to keep improving, going step by step.”

4. Effort
Trying again after setbacks.
Student self-talk: “I can try once more, as effort helps me improve.”

5. Learning
Reflecting on experience and growing from mistakes.
Student self-talk: “I can learn from this, and do better next time.”

6. Curiosity
Asking questions and exploring ideas.
Student self-talk: “I can ask why, and discover something new.”

7. Flexibility
Adapting when plans change.
Student self-talk: “I can adjust and find another way when things get difficult ”

8. Problem-solving
Thinking through challenges and finding solutions.
Student self-talk: “I can figure this out, even if it takes a few tries.”

9. Accountability
Taking responsibility for actions and choices.
Student self-talk: “I reflect on what I do, say if I make mistakes and try hard to rectify them.”

10. Optimism
Maintaining a positive outlook.
Student self-talk: “I can stay positive—things can improve.”

Summary – Why Positive Self-talk Matters

Positive self-talk helps students gain the internal tools to face difficulties. When students learn to speak to themselves with clarity, courage and optimism, they build the foundations for lifelong wellbeing and achievement.

• Albert Einstein persisted despite early failure.
• Marie Curie was refused entry to university in Poland, so she went to France to study.
• Nelson Mandela was a political prisoner for 27 years before becoming the President of South Africa.
• Harriet Tubman escaped from slavery to become a civil rights leader.

Their stories, and more, show students that positive self-talk shapes action, and action shapes destiny.

Reference

For more information and resources, go to Amazing People Schools.