subject: Motivational Words - Mind That Self-talk [print this page] The things a person says to themselves inside their own head, sets the tone for their actions, and thus motivational words can help steer thinking toward positive outcomes. If the inner chatter of positive thoughts leads to positive actions and behaviors, then likewise negative thoughts lead to negative behavior. The purpose of using words to motivate is to minimize self-talk that creates an atmosphere of "cannot" rather than "can." Words such as pain, depression, and hate often conjure thoughts of loss, sadness, or insecurity. On the other hand, words such as inspiration, appreciation, love, and commitment can foster thoughts of comfort, security, and emotional support.
Words represent different things to different people. Nonetheless, the general feelings certain words invoke are often common. For example, phrases such as "I shouldn't..." commonly invoke negative feelings of unacceptability or wrongness. These feelings are necessary in some instances to prevent harmful behaviors. However, when viewed in terms of maintaining motivation and positive self-talk, words that invoke unnecessary negativity are counter-productive. Motivational words, or words that invoke a more encouraging mindset help set the tone for positive self-talk. What a person routinely thinks over and over will do more to drive behavior than any conscious intention.
Inner dialogue is a magnet for like actions. Thinking about failure brings about failure. Thinking success brings about success. In this like begets like scenario, motivational words play a valuable role in determining the overall outcome of a persons' self-talk. Allowing negative self-talk to prevail shows a weakness of character far more damaging than the actions these thoughts produce. Routine negative thinking creates with it an environment ripe for repeated failure and negative behaviors. Strong individuals who seek to strengthen their character find the means to control negative thoughts. Finding specific words or phrases that encourage positive thinking helps train the mind to search out and focus on positives.
Consciousness of self-talk brings with it awareness of the motivational words that work best for each individual. By knowing what kinds of thoughts and individual words bring about a positive mindset, individuals empower themselves with the ability to control their own motivation. While words alone are not powerful enough, in themselves, to maintain motivation, the thoughts and overall mindset they encourage promotes intrinsic motivating factors. In short, thinking about inspiring words can help foster a feeling of inspiration. Feelings of inspiration can, in turn, propel the motivation behind inspiring actions.
