Why Negative Self-Talk is Holding Back Your Sales & Business Growth
Our brains are hardwired for survival, and that means they often focus on what could go wrong, the dangers, and potential threats. This instinct was useful for our ancestors, who needed to be alert to survive. However, in the world we live in today, those same instincts can cause unnecessary stress, self-doubt, and a constant barrage of negativity.
We naturally gravitate toward negative thoughts because our brains are conditioned to protect us, but we have the power to choose how we respond. Negative thoughts don't have to control us.
Stop the Negative Talk: Muzzle Your Monkey
I want to challenge you to muzzle your monkey—the inner critic that stops you from negotiating confidently, asking for what you're worth, or stepping up as a leader. I've struggled with this for a long time, but I've learned that we have the power to quiet that voice, shift our mindset, and change the narrative.
Next time you catch yourself in a cycle of negative thoughts, ask yourself:
- "Is there any merit to these thoughts?"
- "Am I focusing on facts or just creating stories in my mind?"
- "What is the truth here, not just the narrative my brain is telling me?"
We all need to be more conscious of the negative thoughts we entertain. It's not always easy, but acknowledging them is the first step toward change. You are not alone in this struggle— we all have moments of self-doubt and negative thinking, but it's time to stop being our own worst critic and start becoming our biggest encourager.
The Power of Encouragement
We spend so much time listening to the voice of negativity in our minds, but what if we spent more time encouraging ourselves? Imagine if we spoke to ourselves with the same kindness and support that we give to others:
- "You are capable."
- "You are enough."
- "You are worthy of success."
Instead of tearing yourself down, start practicing positive self-talk. When those negative thoughts creep in, counter them with affirmations that are rooted in truth. When you start to muzzle the monkey, you'll create space for encouragement, growth, and self-love.
A Simple Practice to Quiet the Monkey
When you're feeling overwhelmed by negative thoughts, try this simple exercise:
- Pause and Breathe: Take a moment to breathe deeply and center yourself. 2. Ask Yourself: Are these thoughts rooted in reality, or are they just your monkey mind creating fear and doubt?
- Counter the Negativity: Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. For example, if you think, "I'm not good enough," replace it with, "I am more than capable of succeeding."
- Choose to Let It Go: Once you've acknowledged the negative thought, choose to let it go and move forward.
You Are Not Alone
We all have negative thoughts from time to time. It's normal. But the key is not letting those thoughts control you. The more you practice muzzling your monkey, the more you'll notice how much control you have over your own mind.
If you need extra help with managing negative self-talk, be sure to check out our new podcast, That Sh*t Doesn't Define You, where we will dive deep into how to quiet those negative voices and take control of your mindset.