"No es lo que dices con la boca lo que determina tu vida, es lo que te susurras a ti mismo lo que tiene más poder."

What you tell yourself inside your own head often has a bigger impact on your life than the words you speak out loud. This nugget of wisdom centers on the idea that our internal dialogue shapes our experiences and decisions far more than the things we say to others. It’s all about that little voice inside your head – the one that encourages you, criticizes you, or even holds you back. The core idea here is all about self-talk and its immense power over our mindset and actions.

Historically, this concept isn’t new. It’s a staple in the fields of psychology and self-help. Think about the teachings of ancient philosophers like Epictetus or Marcus Aurelius who emphasized the power of inner thoughts. They understood that the way we frame our experiences in our minds plays a crucial role in our happiness and success. Epictetus famously said, “It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” This resonates with the idea that our internal narrative is pivotal.

Now, let’s bring this down to earth with a real-life example. Consider an athlete preparing for a big competition. The athlete might hear all kinds of external voices – coaches' advice, fans’ expectations, competitors’ taunts. But what truly matters is what they tell themselves. If the athlete whispers, "I’ve trained hard, I’m ready, I can do this," that positive self-talk fuels their confidence and performance. On the flip side, if they constantly think, "I’m not good enough, I might fail," it’s likely that their performance will suffer. The power of their internal dialogue can be the difference between winning and losing.

So, how can you harness this wisdom in your own life? Start by paying attention to your self-talk. Notice when you’re being overly critical or negative. When you catch yourself in a negative thought spiral, gently redirect your thoughts. Replace “I can’t do this” with “I’m going to give it my best shot.” It’s about creating a habit of encouraging yourself. One way to practice this is through affirmations – positive statements you repeat to yourself. It might feel a bit strange at first, but over time, you’ll notice a shift in your mindset.

Imagine you're about to give a big presentation at work. Your internal dialogue can make or break your performance. If you’re thinking, “I’m so nervous, I’m going to mess this up,” you’re setting yourself up for failure. Instead, try telling yourself, “I’ve prepared well, I know my stuff, and I’m going to nail this presentation.” Picture the difference in how you’d feel and perform with each of these mindsets.

Let me share a story about my friend, Sarah. She used to struggle with self-doubt, especially at work. Whenever she had to present a project, she’d get so anxious that she’d stumble over her words and forget key points. One day, she decided to change her approach. She started practicing positive self-talk, telling herself things like, “I’m an expert on this topic,” and “I’ve got this.” Over time, her confidence grew, and so did her performance. She even got a promotion, all because she changed the way she talked to herself.

In the end, remember this: the voice inside your head is powerful. Make it your ally, not your enemy. Talk to yourself like you would to a friend – with kindness, encouragement, and belief in your potential. You’ll be amazed at the difference it can make in your life.