3 Steps to Break Negative Self-Talk

Negative self-talk can feel like a constant critic living in your mind. It tells you that you’re not good enough, that you’ll never succeed, or that you should “just try harder.” Over time, this inner voice chips away at confidence, joy, and motivation.

The truth is: you don’t have to believe everything you think. With practice, you can shift your inner dialogue from harsh and critical to kinder and more resilient. Here are three simple steps to begin that shift today:

Step 1: Catch the Thought

The first step is awareness. When you notice yourself thinking something negative like, “I’ll never get this right” or “I’m such a failure,” pause. Write it down if you can. Bringing the thought out into the open makes it easier to recognize patterns.

Step 2: Challenge the Thought

Ask yourself: “Would I say this to a friend?”
If the answer is no, then why is it okay to say it to yourself? Often, our inner critic is harsher than any outside voice. Remind yourself that just because the thought appeared, doesn’t mean it’s true.

Step 3: Change the Thought

Shift the thought to something supportive and realistic. For example:

• Instead of “I’ll never succeed,” try “I’m learning step by step, and progress takes time.”

• Instead of “I messed everything up,” try “I made a mistake, but I can choose a better next step.”

• Even small shifts in wording make a big difference over time.

Prefer Listening Instead?

Here’s a short outdoor video where I share these same steps in a simple, reflective way:

👉 Click here to watch on YouTube Shorts: https://youtube.com/shorts/xiWEra3Z79k?feature=share

A Final Thought

Breaking the habit of negative self-talk isn’t about becoming perfectly positive. It’s about learning to treat yourself with the same compassion you’d offer a friend.

Catch. Challenge. Change.
Practice these three steps daily, and watch how your inner voice begins to soften, opening space for confidence, calm, and joy.

✨ Soothe & Cheery Coaching – Find calm. Rise with joy.