April/May 2026 Aspire Magazine FULL Issue | Page 58

Turning Trash-Talk into a Mental Breakfast of Champions:

When you consistently follow the recipe below, you will begin to see the results in your inner talk, which will inevitably result in changes in your outer world. This is the first step toward developing healthier thought patterns.

You will start to feel better about yourself and, strangely enough, feel better about those around you as well. This practice can improve both your mental health and physical health. Ready?

When you trash-talk, HEAR YOURSELF and hit the brakes hard. Take a deep breath, exhale, and tell yourself,“ STOP.” This crucial step helps you interrupt automatic thoughts and break free from the cycle of constant self-criticism.

Ask yourself 6 questions:

• What am I saying to myself?

• Why am I saying it?

• When did I first start saying this to myself?( Consider whether these unhelpful thoughts came from specific situations, past mistakes, or even peer pressure)

• How does this help me?( Spoiler: these negative things and pessimistic thoughts don’ t)

• Does anyone in my family say something similar?( Understanding the origins of negative self-talk can reveal patterns from childhood experiences or societal norms)

• Am I ready to tell myself something different?

Only when you can say“ yes” to that last thing and really mean it will you feel a shift. Once you decide to change your negative inner voice and that critical voice, you are changing gears. This is the most important thing you can do for your mental health.

Next time you trash talk, challenge the limiting inner voice by asking yourself:

•“ Is this true? Am I really stupid? A dimwit? A numbskull?” NO, I’ M not!( Challenge these irrational fears and harsh selfjudgment)

•“ Is it helpful to keep saying this?” NO, it isn’ t!

•“ Am I ready to change this?”

If you’ re ready to change this and make mistakes part of learning rather than reasons for self-attack, tell yourself,“ I can figure this