January 15, 2012
How Important is Self-Talk?
We define self-talk as the self-motivation one gives when one is attempting to problem-solve. We can approach this Positively or Negatively. An example of the Positive would be: “Let me examine all the options and see if I have solved a problem similar to this one or if I can look up the answer.” An example of the Negative would be: “Oh ****, I have done it again! Way to go, stupid.”
OBVIOUSLY, both methods are 100% magnitude exaggerations. One does not simply approach ANYTHING from the black and white stand point (yes, that was a LOTR reference). Yet, for the purpose of this exercise, I will address in terms of Positive and Negative for discussion’s sake.
Self-Talk is the way we evaluate our position. It is a way of checking our progress, our available solutions, and our overall morale during a crisis situation. It is that gut moment when a problem arises that one either says: “I can do this!” or “I’m a failure.” It is blatantly obvious which of the two is more productive. Of course, in MY situation, I approach a problem with a lot of over-confidence as a means of protecting my failure, and I deal with my problems after I solve them. In a way, this is very healthy because it keeps me from dipping too low into self-loathing; but, it is not entirely truthful either. I do not wish to approach anything from a Negative stand point because I will not get anything done. This is why Self-Talk is important. If we approach issues with an attitude of negativity, it is possible that we will not be as successful because we will not have any confidence or purpose behind our input; our output will be stilted.
How can we overcome this without lying to ourselves? What allows self-talk to be real, truthful, and Positive at the same time? Well, first off, I think it is JUST as detrimental to the situation to be pompous as it is negative. I think when we try to overcompensate, we bias our options to a pre-determined spectrum of self-experience. We close ourselves off to help and to the abyss of possibility that could contain the correct answer to our issue; so, when we approach a problem with open arms and a willingness to be flexible, we can set aside our convoluted self-actuality and allow the flowing of thoughts to take us to a critical location of problem solving. A machine of good work, as it were. In terms of discrimination, information cannot be accepted when it is not needed. This is the issue with approaching a problem completely positively. Sometimes, we allow an absence of bias to provide us “too many” options. Information discrimination is best approached by experience and resourcefulness. Problem solving would be NOTHING without a calm, focused, Vipassana-esque approach. We tend to work ourselves into a frenzy and try “everything”. This is unfocused and Negative. Being calm, telling yourself “I am well-equipped to handle this problem” will serve you better. You will not rush into anything and you will calmly auto-deliberate your issues.
In the end, Self-Talk is very important. Just as a painter sets out to cover his mistakes with good paint; he never proceeds hastily and with abandon. We, as problem-solvers should approach our issues with a sound mind, a “steady hand”, flexibility, and experience. It is paramount that we use Self-Talk in a positive way since we cannot escape it. To answer the question: YES, Self-Talk is important. It would not be important if we were not to use it. Unfortunately, that is not an option. We will always have gut reactions. And, yes, most of us will have to reprogram ourselves to be open and ready. We might as well approach it in a Positive manner as this promotes productivity overall and a good spirit towards the self.
-Riddle.
