Own Your Noise
Maya Raichoora
Mental Fitness Pioneer
Discover how harnessing self-talk can boost your mental fitness, helping you stay focused, resilient, and confident - even when life gets in the way.
Discover how harnessing self-talk can boost your mental fitness, helping you stay focused, resilient, and confident - even when life gets in the way.
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Own Your Noise
6 mins 24 secs
Key learning objectives:
Define self talk
Outline the different types of self talk
Understand how to improve your self talk
Overview:
The opinions and viewpoints expressed in this video are those of the creator and do not necessarily reflect the views of any affiliated organisations.
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Self-talk is the internal dialogue you have with yourself, shaping how you feel, think, and respond. It's a powerful mental fitness tool that everyone uses, often without realising it. Whether you’re encouraging yourself during a run or calming your nerves before a presentation, self-talk influences your confidence and performance. Intentional self-talk can help you navigate challenges and setbacks with a resilient mindset, but it can also create doubt or fear if left unchecked.
What are the different types of self-talk, and how do they work?
- Instructional self-talk: Helps you stay focused by breaking tasks into manageable steps. For example, before speaking publicly, you might remind yourself: "Breathe, smile, and speak."
- Motivational self-talk: Encourages and pushes you forward, especially during challenges. For instance, when feeling nervous before a presentation, you might say: "I’ve prepared for this, I know my stuff, and I can handle it."
- Reframing self-talk: Helps you shift your perspective by seeing setbacks as opportunities. If you didn’t get a job, you might think: "At least I practised my interview skills—I’ll be even better prepared next time."
How can you improve your self-talk?
Improving your self-talk starts with awareness and intention. Notice when your inner dialogue becomes negative or limiting, and take steps to reframe it. Remember, your self-talk doesn’t always have to be overly positive—it just needs to be constructive and compassionate, especially during tough times. The goal is to build a flexible, supportive mindset that adapts to any situation. Follow these steps:
- Identify negative self-talk: Be mindful of moments when your self-talk is self-critical or discouraging.
- Write it down: Acknowledge what you typically say to yourself in those moments.
- Reframe it: Turn the negative statement into something encouraging and constructive. For example, replace "I can’t do this" with "I’m learning, and each step makes me stronger."
- Apply it in real time: When you notice negative self-talk creeping in, pause and consciously replace it with the positive version.
The opinions and viewpoints expressed in this video are those of the creator and do not necessarily reflect the views of any affiliated organisations.
Sign up today
Sign up for Santander Open Academy to unlock your potential with our free, expert-led learning platform.
Maya Raichoora
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