self-talk

noun

ˌself-ˈtȯk 

: talk or thoughts directed at oneself

As we push through the pain during a race, it's natural to talk to ourselves. It's also natural to have an unpleasant conversation. Studies show that both negative and positive self-talk influence performance—you can guess which works best.

—Bicycling

… let's say a student said, "I'm having trouble learning these new techniques." The first thing I would do is probe into his self-talk. He's probably thinking, "I shouldn't be having so much trouble."

—Thomas J. Nardi

Neil Fiore, a motivational speaker … says the road to timely tax filing can be reached with a little positive self-talk.

—Kris Frieswick

Examples of self-talk in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Stating positive affirmations in front of a mirror and stopping negative self-talk is essential. —Lisa Stardust, refinery29.com, 15 Oct. 2024

Using distanced self-talk is just one way to prepare yourself for a challenge or stop negative thinking, Kross says. —Megan Sauer, CNBC, 2 Aug. 2024

Whether in a journal, on sticky notes around the house, or simply in your mind, repeating positive affirmations about your body and self-worth may work to combat the effects of negative self-talk. —Laura Dorwart, Verywell Health, 24 Sep. 2024

Learn to catch your negative self-talk and rephrase it to be positive, realistic, and concise. —Kevin Kruse, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1737, in the meaning defined above