What to Say When You Talk to Yourself

What's "What to Say When You Talk to Yourself" about?

• Self-Talk Concept: The book by Shad Helmstetter, Ph.D., explores the concept of Self-Talk, which is the internal dialogue we have with ourselves and how it influences our behavior and success.
• Programming the Mind: It explains how our thoughts and words program our subconscious mind, affecting our beliefs, attitudes, and actions.
• Changing Negative Patterns: The book provides strategies to replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations to improve self-esteem and achieve personal goals.
• Practical Techniques: It offers practical techniques for using Self-Talk to manage stress, improve relationships, and enhance personal and professional success.

Why should I read "What to Say When You Talk to Yourself"?

• Understand Self-Programming: The book helps readers understand how their internal dialogue affects their life outcomes and provides tools to change it.
• Improve Self-Esteem: It offers methods to boost self-esteem and confidence by changing negative thought patterns.
• Achieve Goals: Readers can learn how to set and achieve personal and professional goals through positive Self-Talk.
• Practical Application: The book provides actionable steps and examples, making it easy to apply the concepts in daily life.

What are the key takeaways of "What to Say When You Talk to Yourself"?

• Self-Talk Levels: The book identifies five levels of Self-Talk, ranging from negative acceptance to universal affirmation, and explains how each affects our lives.
• Reprogramming the Mind: It emphasizes the importance of reprogramming the subconscious mind with positive affirmations to replace negative beliefs.
• Daily Practice: Consistent practice of positive Self-Talk can lead to significant improvements in self-esteem, motivation, and success.
• Personal Responsibility: Taking responsibility for one's thoughts and actions is crucial for personal growth and achieving desired outcomes.

How does Shad Helmstetter define Self-Talk in the book?

• Internal Dialogue: Self-Talk is defined as the internal dialogue we have with ourselves, which can be either positive or negative.
• Programming Tool: It is a tool for programming the subconscious mind, influencing our beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors.
• Levels of Self-Talk: Helmstetter categorizes Self-Talk into five levels, each with different impacts on our mental and emotional state.
• Conscious Reprogramming: The book advocates for conscious reprogramming of Self-Talk to achieve personal and professional success.

What are the five levels of Self-Talk according to Shad Helmstetter?

• Level 1 - Negative Acceptance: This level involves negative statements like "I can't" or "I wish I could," which reinforce self-doubt.
• Level 2 - Recognition and Need to Change: Statements like "I need to" or "I should," which acknowledge a problem but don't provide solutions.
• Level 3 - Decision to Change: Positive affirmations like "I never" or "I no longer," indicating a decision to change behavior.
• Level 4 - The Better You: Statements like "I am," which create a positive self-image and reinforce self-belief.
• Level 5 - Universal Affirmation: Broad affirmations that connect with a higher consciousness or universal truths.

How can I apply the techniques from "What to Say When You Talk to Yourself" in daily life?

• Identify Negative Self-Talk: Start by recognizing and listing negative self-talk patterns that occur throughout the day.
• Replace with Positive Affirmations: Use the book's guidelines to rephrase negative statements into positive affirmations.
• Consistent Practice: Integrate positive Self-Talk into daily routines, such as during morning routines or before important tasks.
• Monitor Progress: Regularly assess changes in behavior and mindset to ensure the effectiveness of the new Self-Talk patterns.

What are some practical examples of Self-Talk provided in the book?

• Weight Loss: "I eat only what I should and enjoy being healthy and fit."
• Time Management: "I am organized and in control of my time and actions."
• Self-Esteem: "I like who I am and feel good about myself."
• Problem Solving: "I am good at solving problems and enjoy challenges."

What is the "Self-Management Sequence" mentioned in the book?

• Five Steps: The sequence includes programming, beliefs, attitudes, feelings, and actions, which together determine success or failure.
• Programming Creates Beliefs: Our programming influences our beliefs, which in turn shape our attitudes.
• Attitudes Affect Feelings: Attitudes determine our feelings, which influence our actions.
• Actions Create Results: Ultimately, our actions, driven by this sequence, lead to our results in life.

How does "What to Say When You Talk to Yourself" address the problem with positive thinking?

• Temporary Solution: The book suggests that positive thinking alone is often temporary and doesn't address underlying negative programming.
• Need for Reprogramming: It emphasizes the need to replace negative programming with positive Self-Talk for lasting change.
• Specific Vocabulary: The book provides a specific vocabulary for Self-Talk to ensure effective reprogramming.
• Beyond Wishful Thinking: It distinguishes between wishful thinking and actionable positive Self-Talk that leads to real change.

What are the best quotes from "What to Say When You Talk to Yourself" and what do they mean?

• "You are everything that is, your thoughts, your life, your dreams come true." This quote emphasizes the power of thoughts in shaping one's reality.
• "You are as unlimited as the endless universe." It highlights the limitless potential within each individual.
• "Talk to yourself in a way that is kind, loving, caring, strong, demanding, and determined." This encourages using positive Self-Talk to nurture and empower oneself.
• "The key to all management, the management of others, the management of your resources, and the management of your future, is Self-Management." It underscores the importance of self-management in achieving success.

How does Shad Helmstetter suggest dealing with negative programming from childhood?

• Awareness of Past Programming: Recognize that much of our negative programming comes from childhood experiences and influences.
• Replace with Positive Self-Talk: Use positive affirmations to replace negative beliefs instilled during childhood.
• Consistent Reprogramming: Regularly practice positive Self-Talk to overwrite old, limiting beliefs.
• Focus on Self-Belief: Build a strong foundation of self-belief to counteract past negative programming and achieve personal growth.