Lifestyle self-growth

Things you have to stop telling yourself

Okay… so the truth is, you don’t HAVE to do anything.

There aren’t any rules which you must absolutely follow in order to find more happiness and joy in your life. For some people, finding peace of mind is simple, it comes easy. For others, it is a constant struggle.

We often expect so much from ourselves and tend to put ourselves down when things don’t go as planned. Other times, we make excuses and tell ourselves that things are what they are and there’s no sense in trying to change them.

Well, every now and then you do need to realize though that change doesn’t happen by itself. The only way for things to change is by making a decision to make that change. This often involves getting rid of things that limit you- including your self-talk.

Some of the things you tell yourself are straight-up lies. And yes, that pesky, annoying little voice in your head sometimes loves to criticize and say mean things, words which sometimes hurt and stab.

THINGS YOU HAVE TO STOP TELLING YOURSELF

Things you have to stop telling yourself

TELLING YOURSELF: “I CAN’T”

By constantly telling yourself you can’t, you are reinforcing that message in your mind. Very often “I can’t” is one of the first things that come to mind whenever you are presented with a new or exciting opportunity or have an interesting creative idea. You might feel fear, you might feel intimidated, so the first thing that comes to your mind is “I can’t” even though most of the time you mean, or want to say “I won’t.”

Here’s how you can put things into perspective. First, think about all the “can’t”s you’ve already overcome. We all have done and gone through things that at one point seemed impossible. Second, replace your “I can’t” with “I choose not to.” Now, this is something that really makes you think. If, for example, you always tell yourself “I cant’ work out today” instead, tell yourself “I choose not to workout today.” This is something that helped me learn to hold myself accountable. If, for any reason, this seems a bit too harsh, then replace your “I can’t” with “how can I (fill in the blank)?

Whatever it is that you’re after, whether it be a really small, or a drastic change, keep pushing and don’t give up. Don’t doubt yourself. Never, ever talk about the things you want to accomplish in a negative light (i.e. “I’ll never be able to____ because I ____“). This is not only the biggest turnoff but it also sends out a message: “I don’t believe in myself.” If you come across some sort of roadblock, go around it, find another way. Don’t tell yourself that you can’t be, do, try or accomplish something.

TELLING YOURSELF: “IT’S TOO LATE FOR ME”

Follow your bliss and don’t be afraid, and doors will open where you didn’t know they were going to be.” ~ Joseph Campbell
If this is something you often think or say to yourself, remember that you’re never going to be as young as you are today. Don’t waste time regretting things you’ve never done, seen or tried. By constantly telling yourself that it’s “too late” you’re letting fear get in the way. This life, right here, is the only chance you get to do things you’ve always wanted to do. And it’s never too late to try.

Some of the most interesting people I’ve ever met are still trying to figure a lot of things out, some of them change careers every few years. Yet, they are some of the most interesting, happy and fun people to be around.

If I’m being honest, I often fall into that trap too, thinking that I have yet to do so many things. What you need to realize is that you have to live your life on your own terms. This invisible timeframe, a timeline, by which we think we should accomplish, do, start and try different things, doesn’t exist. Our lives, circumstances and us- are all different. Who says that you need to fall in love and start a family by 25? Who says that you need to know what you want to do for a living at 18 when you start college? Who says that you need to have a house by the time you turn 30? Who says that you can’t go back to school after raising your children? I know of people who transformed their lives after turning 50. People who changed their lives, found passion, fell in love again. People often act like there are certain things you shouldn’t do once reach a certain age. And this always makes me think: SAYS WHO?

So no, it’s never too late. It’s never too late to do things that will make you happy. It’s never too late make your life better, to turn things around, to shake things up.

TELLING YOURSELF: “I AM NOT GOOD ENOUGH”

Out of all the things you have to stop telling yourself, letting go of this particular habit is very hard to unlearn. It can take years- especially if it’s something you’ve been told for a long time, by someone else (like a parent, growing up). I know this because it’s something that took me years to get over. The longer you keep telling yourself something, over and over again, the easier it becomes to believe it. You tell yourself lies, which eventually become your reality, things you believe to be true. That, my friends, is how you start to limit yourself.

What makes a person “good enough” anyway? Think about it. What makes one person better than the other? Sometimes we use these “I’m not smart enoughs” or “I’m not good enoughs” because we look for excuses. If you want to accomplish something (and it could be literally anything), it’s persistence and hard work that bring results. It’s believing in yourself. If you do not have a strong support system, people who encourage you, become your own support system! There are so many people defying the odds, people with disabilities, people who struggled their entire lives, people who didn’t have any love or support- people who didn’t stop those things from doing and going after their goals. Just because your circumstances are different from someone else’s, just because you think that someone else is “just lucky” it doesn’t make you any less worthy or capable of doing the things you love or having an amazing life.

Things you have to stop telling yourself

TELLING YOURSELF: “I’M STUPID”

This one is close and dear to my heart. Why? Because it’s something I used to tell myself all the time, on daily basis.

Whenever I did something wrong, made a mistake, did something embarrassing or silly. It was almost as if I just couldn’t do anything right and my brain would constantly go into overdrive mode trying to find small mistakes, things I’ve said or anything else that I could blame or criticise myself for. It eventually led me to develop social anxiety and I would not be able to attend any kind of social event (even having friends over for a football game or dinner) without having to reach for meds that would calm me down. Many years ago I read a book where the author suggested that you should only talk to yourself the way you’d talk to a much younger version of yourself. See yourself as that little girl (or a boy) and think: “would I tell her that she’s stupid? Would I criticize and berate her for a small mistake?

Chances are, you wouldn’t.

So why do it to yourself now?

Harsh criticism isn’t the only way to stay inspire or to encourage a change. There is a difference between scolding yourself and holding yourself accountable for your actions. A life-long habit is not easy to break, but it doesn’t mean it’s impossible.

HOW DO I STOP?

First, you need to become aware of the things you tell yourself. If you were to listen to everything you tell yourself on a daily basis, would you be able to recall words of encouragement?

Support?

Love?

Once you raise your awareness, you have to acknowledge that some of the things you tell yourself, do not serve you. By being mindful and returning to the present moment you can create more clarity and learn to recognize these thoughts as they occur. If you have a life-long habit of discouraging yourself by saying things like “I can’t” then you might find it difficult to even recognize it, as you’ve grown so used to hearing that from yourself. Becoming more aware will help you recognize those patterns.

26 Comments

  • Reply
    Kate
    November 14, 2017 at 2:15 pm

    I love this post Paula! I used to be terrible at talking to myself in a negative way. I would do it all the time, and it took me ages to realise how damaging it was. I work really hard not to do it now, but it’s not always easy, so I love your tips about how to be more aware and make subtle changes to those typical phrases. x

    Kate Louise Blogs

    • Reply
      Paula @ lifestylegleam.com
      November 15, 2017 at 10:58 pm

      Thank you, Kate! It does take a while to even recognize how much of a negative impact that self talk has on us, we’re often just so used to it. I am so happy that it’s something you’ve been working on as well. We all should be more aware of the things we tell ourselves on daily basis.

  • Reply
    Danielle Alexa
    November 14, 2017 at 2:33 pm

    Such a brilliant and inspiring post, I definitely needed to read something like this on this miserable Tuesday!

    Danielle xx
    http://www.fashionbeautyblog.co.uk/

    • Reply
      Paula @ lifestylegleam.com
      November 15, 2017 at 10:59 pm

      Aww thank you, Danielle! Hope the rest of the week is much better for you! Sending my love!

  • Reply
    Ejiroghene Pearl Mukoro
    November 14, 2017 at 4:07 pm

    Lovely post! I agree so much with what you said about not being “good enough”. What in the hell does that even mean? Lol It’s all completely relative and what makes a person “good enough” is not anything extraordinary. It’s literally hard work/preserverance xx

    Pearl || http://thepearlylife.com

    • Reply
      Paula @ lifestylegleam.com
      November 15, 2017 at 11:00 pm

      Exactly! What does being “good enough” even mean?! It’s such a silly lie we tell ourselves, we’re all worthy of having an amazing life, regardless of our circumstances.

  • Reply
    Ariadna Morell
    November 14, 2017 at 5:20 pm

    Yes yes yes yes! Loved this post, so empowering and inspiring! GIRLBOSS ALL THE WAY!

    Ariadna || RAWR BOWS

  • Reply
    Racquel Bianca John
    November 14, 2017 at 9:26 pm

    This is a much needed post. I agree with you that what we speak over our life is important, and that we must be careful. Thank you for sharing this inspiring post! I look forward to reading more.

    -Racquel
    http://www.purposely-you.com

  • Reply
    HairWonderfulDay
    November 15, 2017 at 2:27 am

    We are certainly tend to say more negative thoughts instead of positive. I noticed when I say something good to myself the day is much better for me ! xx

    http://www.hairwonderfulday.com

    • Reply
      Paula @ lifestylegleam.com
      November 15, 2017 at 11:07 pm

      It’s all about keeping those positive vibes going! We all tend to talk about things we don’t want a lot more often than the things we want and dream of.

  • Reply
    Linda Libra Loca
    November 15, 2017 at 2:40 am

    Given that I am 38 already, accpting the fact that it is never “too late” was very important to me. If I wouldn't start new things because of that, I'd most likely be bored with my life and really unhappy by now.

    Anne|Linda, Libra, Loca

    • Reply
      Paula @ lifestylegleam.com
      November 15, 2017 at 11:10 pm

      This mindset is something that helped me a lot and the older I get, the more I realize the importance of trying new things and finding joy in those ordinary moments as well. It’s never too late to try something new or to start having fun and enjoying life.

  • Reply
    Marie-France
    November 15, 2017 at 7:35 am

    Thank you for all these important reminders! No one talks to me more than I talk to myself inside my head. That internal dialogue is so powerful. Changing just a few words here and there makes such a big difference. xo – http://www.thesoulfulbunny.com

    • Reply
      Paula @ lifestylegleam.com
      November 15, 2017 at 11:11 pm

      That is so true, no one talks to you more than you talk to yourself, such a great point you bring up, Marie!

  • Reply
    M B.P
    November 15, 2017 at 2:52 pm

    Lovely post! I think everyone needs to be reminded of this once I a while.

    LoneTeenTraveller | Travel Fashion Lifestyle

  • Reply
    Ellie | PetiteElliee
    November 15, 2017 at 3:25 pm

    I am defintiley guilty of telling myself I am not good enough!

    http://www.petiteelliee.com

    Ellie xx

    • Reply
      Paula @ lifestylegleam.com
      November 15, 2017 at 11:13 pm

      Aww Ellie, it’s time to stop that! You are unique and amazing and you are meant to have an amazing life!

  • Reply
    Dagmara Klich
    November 15, 2017 at 4:26 pm

    This post has resonated with me a lot as it was me still a year ago, telling myself ‘I can’t do things’, ‘I’m not good enough’ etc. but that has thankfully changed, I managed to do things I never thought I would and it made me feel so much more in power of my own life :) x

    Mummy’s Beauty Corner

    • Reply
      Paula @ lifestylegleam.com
      November 15, 2017 at 11:15 pm

      I’ve struggled with this for the longest time, too. So happy that things have changed for you, Dagmara! Trying new things can feel so liberating and empowering!

  • Reply
    Kamilla
    November 16, 2017 at 1:07 pm

    I have trouble with the I’m not good, enough whats the point! But we all have our moments, best thing to do is just to think positively and get through with it day by day.

    http://www.artistakay.com

  • Reply
    Shauna Claire
    December 13, 2017 at 5:09 am

    You know what, I really needed to hear these things today! Thank you! I’m really working on how I talk to myself and not limiting myself. Loved the post!

    Shauna | http://diariesofadramatic.com

  • Reply
    Ma Ve
    December 21, 2017 at 3:45 am

    THANK YOU! I just came back from a 9 month traveling journey and I figured all this out by this time. Not because I was in paradise. It was more because I finally took time for myself and far away from friends and family who I always ran to when something wasn’t working. We make ourselves dependent from so many things especially from the ,,todays society thinking”. ,,You have to this, to become that” So many rules, so many stopping signs. We just have to learn to say ,,NO” and create our own mindsets and prove that we can be different and that it is ok to not fit in all the cliches. We only have this one life. And sometimes when I am under pressure I say to myself: ,, I am 26. I have more then 30 years until I am old. What can I do in 30 years? A LOT!” Pressure is a self killer. And it’s right… We all have an inner child and adult. The child is the part inside us that feels unsafe, unsure and uncomfortable when our adult doesn’t take responsibility for our thoughts coming right from the EGO. We should learn to see the truth behind every bad thought and neutralize it. We have to stop blaming and punishing ourselves and also start to forgive ourselves for all what happened in the past or what can happen in the future. It sounds cheesy but my survival motto is ,,LIVE IN THE PRESENT & LOVE YOURSELF!”

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