A lot of what causes stress is what’s happening in the ol’ noggin. Something happens, you respond. Something’s going to happen, you worry.

One of the ways to lessen the amount of stress has to do with what you’re saying to yourself. Us coaches call it “self talk.”

Here are three things for you to try to take control of those nasty stressors:

1. Thought-stop. This one actually works. And whether you say it out loud or just to yourself, the idea is that when you start to think of something in a way that you know will stress you out, just say “STOP!” Tell yourself to stop thinking that way, to stop going down that path. To think more positive thoughts.
2. Modify the intensity. The words you use can elevate your stress.
   • Instead of “I hate public speaking” you might say, “I’m not used to public speaking.”
   • Instead of saying “It’s a problem,” say “it’s a challenge.”
   • Instead of saying “I can’t,” say “I’ll try.”
3. Positive and present. We’ve all heard about the value of positive self talk. It works. I like to add this little twist to the conversation–make it be in the present, rather than the future. Use “I am” rther than “I will be.”
   • I am a confident person
   • I am good with numbers
   • I am a good putter. (OK, this is getting too close to home – I use this one a lot!)

Said an thought enough, your words become who you are. the more you positively talk to yourself, the more congruent your actions, thoughts and words become…

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