Self-talk is the internal conversation that you have with yourself. Believe it or not, the way you talk to yourself can have a big influence on how you feel and act. Your words matter.
That's why it is so important to be aware of the conversations you have with yourself about physical activity and your fitness abilities. It can have an impact on your performance and whether or not you stick to your plan. For example, you can set yourself up for failure by thinking things like, "I've never been very athletic, so there's no way I'm going to be able to keep up this exercise routine."
The good news is you can turn negative self-talk into realistic, positive thoughts that can help you succeed. Next time you find yourself having negative thoughts about exercise, make an effort to drop the negativity and turn it into positive self-talk. Here are some examples:
All or nothing
Example
I didn't walk every day last week. I'm an exercise failure.
Positive alternative
I walked four out of seven days last week; some exercise is always better than none.
Disqualifying the positive
Example
The only reason I parked far away from the entrance to the store was because I couldn't find a closer spot.
Positive alternative
I like to walk; it is a good, healthy activity for me to do.
Over-generalizing
Example
I can't run, so I can't get enough exercise to do me any good.
Positive alternative
I'm glad I decided to get out on a walk. Some exercise is better than nothing!
Negative interpretation
Example
My doctor wants me to have a foot evaluation before I start doing more activity. That must mean exercise is bad for my feet.
Positive alternative
Because I have diabetes, I always have to take good care of my feet. I'm glad that my doctor is making sure that the activity I do is right for me.
Personalization
Example
The weatherman has something against me. I was planning to walk, but it has been raining cats and dogs all day long. I just can't win.
Positive alternative
You can never really predict the weather, so I'm glad I have a plan for doing exercise indoors on rainy days like today.
