A Korean university professor divided 16 golf players into two groups, and let one group of people talk to themselves for 10 to 15 weeks: “I’ll relax my wrists and shoulders,” “I won’t attempt too much,” “Yes, that’s good,” and so on. As a result, research showed that self-talk is not only effective in psychological aspects such as increase of attention, confidence, and fun, and decrease of anxiety, but also in athletic performances.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Psychology Department said self-talk can be more effective when you talk to yourself as if others say to you. Words like “Let’s shake it off,” “Let’s endure a little longer,” and “You can do it,” can be much more helpful because you can feel as if you’re supported by others. When self-control is needed, it’ll be effective if you say to yourself firmly, “Let’s not have fun now,” “Don’t overeat,” or “You’d better not be upset.”
Your words to yourself affect your thoughts, control your emotions, and determine your actions because words are living and powerful.