What To Say When You Talk To Your Self

by Shad Helmstetter

Level 2 self-talk is characterized by words such as “I need to...” or “I ought to...” or “I should.” Why does that work against us? Because it recognizes a problem, but creates no solution. When you say to yourself (or to someone else) “I really need to get more organized,” what are you really saying? You are saying, “I really need to get more organized...but I’m not.” When you complete the sentence, it is always, unconsciously, ended with an unspoken, but still programmed, Level 1 statement of negative self-talk. “I really should try to get to work on time.” “I’ve just got to lose some weight!” “I’ve got to do something about that.” “I really ought to take more time with my kids.” “I know I should study harder.” Anytime you hear yourself telling yourself any Level 2 self-talk, stop for a moment and complete the sentence––finish, out loud, the program you are actually directing to your subconscious mind.