Stop Negative Internal Voices

Your internal dialogue might be screwing up your life

That’s right. Do you ever catch yourself having a little chat in your head with a voice that isn't all that friendly? You're not alone. We all have those internal voices, and sometimes they can be pretty harsh. Negative self-talk can feel like a pesky tape loop, playing over and over, dragging us down with critical and disempowering messages. But here's the good news: you don't have to put up with it.

In this post, we'll explore why internal dialogue can be so problematic and, more importantly, how you can shift those negative voices to be positive and empowering. Imagine a life where your internal dialogue only supports and uplifts you, helping you achieve your goals and live a happier, more fulfilling life. Sounds amazing, right? So let's get started!

Understanding Internal Voices

Let's take a closer look at this internal chatter we all have. These voices can generally be split into two types: dialogue and monologue.

Dialogue is like having a conversation in your head. Think about those times when you replay an argument with someone, thinking of all the things you wish you had said. Or maybe you rehearse a future conversation, imagining different outcomes. This back-and-forth can be exhausting, especially if it’s filled with negativity or regret.

Monologue, on the other hand, is all about the "I" statements. It’s that inner critic saying things like, "I blew it," or "I'm so stupid." These kinds of thoughts can be incredibly damaging because they reinforce negative beliefs about yourself, dragging you down with each repetition.

When negative self-talk takes over, it can feel like you have a constant nagging voice in your head. It's like having a negative commentator following you around, pointing out all the things that could go wrong or that you’ve done wrong. This is disempowering and can make you catastrophize situations and get stuck in a loop of unhelpful thinking. Who needs that?

But not all internal voices are bad. Differentiating between the positive and negative ones is key. Positive internal dialogue can be your best cheerleader, giving you the confidence and motivation to take on challenges and reach your goals.

So, how do we deal with the negative voices and amplify the positive ones? Just keep reading.

Identifying the Source of Negative Voices

First, we need to identify where those negative thoughts come from. Often, they’re not even your own! Many times, these critical voices are echoes from the past – maybe a strict teacher, a critical parent, or even teasing from other kids. It’s like these voices got recorded in your mind and keep playing back, even though you’ve long outgrown them.

One helpful technique is to ask yourself, "Whose voice am I hearing?" You might be surprised to realize it’s not yours at all, but someone from your past. Recognizing the source can be a powerful first step in turning down the volume on these negative messages. Once you know where they come from, you can start to address and transform them into something much more positive.

Shifting from Problem State to Target State

This step is a real game-changer. When you're trapped in a problem state, your mind is fixated on all the things that have gone wrong or could go wrong. It’s like being stuck in a swamp, focusing on the mud rather than figuring out how to get out. But what if you could redirect your attention toward where you actually want to go? That's called aiming for a target state.

The target state is all about focusing on positive outcomes and the things you want to achieve. This is not some cliché talk about positive thinking. It’s the realization that, instead of dwelling on past mistakes or negative self-talk, It’s much more useful to start thinking about your goals and how to reach them. That’s a more productive and empowering way to use your mental energy.

Start by identifying what you really want. Maybe it's feeling more confident, being happier, or achieving a specific goal. Then, shift your internal dialogue to support these targets. For instance, instead of thinking, "I always mess things up," use, "What can I do today to move closer to my goals?" This small change can make a huge difference.

Remember, your brain has a built-in system called the Reticular Activating System (RAS) that helps you focus on what’s important. By setting clear, positive targets, you’re training your mind to notice opportunities and solutions that will help you achieve your goals, instead of more reasons to dwell on negative thoughts.

So, leave that problem state behind and start aiming for those target states. You'll be amazed at how much better and more motivated you'll feel!

Techniques to Change Internal Voices

Now that we’ve identified those negative voices and set our sights on positive targets, it’s time to learn some techniques to change those internal dialogues. Here are some easy, practical tips to help you turn that inner critic into your biggest cheerleader:

1. Direct Address: This might sound a bit odd, but directly talking to your inner voice can be really effective. When that negative voice pipes up, tell it, "Hey, I don’t need to hear this. Let’s focus on something positive instead." By confronting it, you start taking control of the conversation.
2. Tone Adjustment: Sometimes, it’s not what your inner voice says, but how it says it. Change the tone of that voice to something more positive and supportive. Imagine it speaking in a calm, encouraging tone instead of a harsh, critical one. This may sound confusing at first, but understanding techniques such as changing submodalities will make it very easy
3. Internal Control Panel: Another technique is to visualize a control panel in your mind with dials and levers for your internal voices. Imagine turning down the volume on the negative voice and turning up the positive one. This is also a submodality change. You can even change the tone or add some new, positive affirmations in place of the old ones.
4. Self-Hypnosis: If you’re up for it, self-hypnosis is a powerful tool. While in this state, your unconscious mind will change those internal dialogues to be more supportive and empowering. You’ll be amazed at how effective this can be. Click here to learn how to do self hypnosis.
5. Hypnotherapy: Sometimes, getting help from a professional can make all the difference. A skilled hypnotist can guide you into a trance and give direct suggestions to transform your internal voices. They can help you install positive self-talk and silence that inner critic. Click here to learn more about hypnotherapy, and here to check out our list of MMHA certified hypnotists.
6. Empowering Questions: Train your internal dialogue to ask empowering questions. Questions like, "What can I do today to make it a great day?" or "How can I achieve my goals?" are incredibly powerful and can shift your mindset and open up new possibilities. Click here to learn how to craft effective empowering questions.

Remember, changing your internal voices takes practice, but it’s totally possible. Just incorporate these techniques into your daily routine, and watch how your inner dialogue transforms into a powerful, positive force!

Join Us

You’ve learned some powerful techniques to transform negative internal voices into positive, empowering allies. Now it’s time to put these techniques into practice and start enjoying the benefits of a supportive and uplifting internal dialogue.

If you’re eager to continue this journey and want more support and resources, feel free to join our community!

• Join our free Facebook group "Brain Software": Connect with like-minded individuals, share your experiences, and get tips from experts to help you along the way. It’s a great place to find support and encouragement.
• Sign up for a free Test Drive at MMHA: Curious about how hypnosis can further enhance your personal growth? Take a free Test Drive at the Mike Mandel Hypnosis Academy. You’ll get a taste of the amazing tools and techniques that can help you unlock your full potential.

Thanks for reading and we’ll see you inside!