We’ve all been there before where we’re standing in front of the mirror, looking at ourselves up and down, and picking out every little thing that we don’t like. Whether it’s our hair, our skin, our weight, or our outfit, it’s easy to focus on everything that we want to change. But what if we can flip the script? What if instead of dwelling on our flaws, we took a minute to appreciate everything that we do like about ourselves?
The Science of Self-Praise
It turns out that there’s a science to back up the power of positive self-talk. A study published in the journal Psychological Science found that people who engaged in positive self-talk before completing a challenging task had better results than those who didn’t.
In the study, participants were asked to complete a difficult puzzle while either repeating a positive phrase (“I’m a capable person”) or a neutral phrase (“I am not judging myself”). The researchers found that those who repeated the positive phrase were more likely to persist on the puzzle and persevere in the face of setbacks.
In another study, published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology, researchers found that self-compassion—defined as “being understanding and kind towards oneself during difficult times”—was linked with increased psychological well-being and decreased anxiety and depression. In other words, people who are able to offer themselves compassion and understanding are better able to thrive mentally and emotionally.
Can Self Praise Really Change Your Life?
We have all been there before. We work hard day in and day out, often sacrificing our personal lives for our professional ones. We strive to be the best that we can be, but sometimes it feels like we are stuck in a rut. If this sounds familiar, then it may be time for you to practice self-praise. Self-praise is the act of showing yourself compassion and appreciation. It is recognizing your own worth and taking the time to care for yourself, mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and physically.
When you make the decision to practice self-praise, it can have a profound impact on your life. Not only will you feel happier and more fulfilled, but you will also be more productive and successful in both your personal and professional life. So if you are looking for a way to change your life, start by practicing self-praise. It just might be the best decision you ever make.
How To Incorporate Positive Self-Talk Into Your Life
Now that we know the science behind why positive self-talk is so powerful, let’s talk about how we can incorporate it into our lives. One way to do this is by using affirmations. Affirmations are positive statements about ourselves that we repeat on a regular basis. For example, some common affirmations include “I am worthy,” “I am enough,” “I am strong,” “I am loved,” and “I am valued.”
Another way to practice positive self-talk is by keeping a gratitude journal. Every day, take a few minutes to write down three things that you’re grateful for—big or small. Maybe you’re grateful for your partner’s support, your best friend’s sense of humor, or your pet’s presence. Whatever it is, taking time each day to reflect on the good in your life can help shift your focus from negative to positive.
The next time you find yourself critiquing your appearance or dwelling on something you don’t like about yourself, try pausing for a moment and saying something kind instead. It might feel weird at first, but trust me—your mind, body, and soul will thank you for it in the long run!