How many times a day do you call yourself “lazy” or “stupid”? The words come into our minds without us even realizing it.

Special K has a great commercial that shows how hurtful and damaging we can be to ourselves (see video). It shows women in a clothing store reading labels that say “Feeling disgusting”, “I look fat in this” and “Cellulite is in my DNA” It’s a short but powerful video that shows us that they way we talk to ourselves has a significant impact on us.

While the commercial is focused on body image the same principles are true for other factors. Whether you call yourself “stupid”, “worthless”, or “disgusting” it has the same hurtful impact on you. But it doesn’t have to be this way. The voices in your head don’t have to be mean and hurtful. Practice these simple steps and you’ll be on your way to making your voices like you instead!

1. Pay attention to how you talk to yourself. When you are aware of your thoughts you can start changing them.
2. Ask yourself, “Would I say this to a friend?” If not then don’t say it to yourself.
3. Every time you make a mean comment to yourself replace it with a kind one.

It is very possible to change how you think and talk to yourself but it takes practice, practice, and practice. Use the Thought Record Journal to help you use these new ways of talking to yourself.

Share your successes and experiences in the comments section below. We can all learn from each other!

[info_box type=”alert_box”]Caring for yourself including takes care of your finances.  I encourage all ladies who are serious about self-care to go on The Happy Finances Challenge. In 42 days you can learn to make money decisions that will lead to long-term financial happiness. [/info_box]