Our words have power. Repeat phrases often enough and they become true. This is why it is so important to eliminate negative self talk from your life. Talking down to yourself and beating yourself up is limiting your success, happiness, and potential. Review the following negative self talk examples and if you find that you tend to say these things, make a commitment to stop today. They are categorized for your convenience.
“Everything you tell yourself matters. It can feel like a punch or a hug – your choice.”
You may also like: 100 Positive Self Talk Examples To Adopt Now
Self Talk Examples To Eliminate from Your Life
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Negative Self Talk Examples That Sabotage Your Happiness
The following negative self talk examples will make it hard for you to live happily. Even if things go right, these phrases will ensure they won’t last.
- “I don’t deserve to be happy.”
- “I have no power to control my happiness.”
- “Bad things always happen to me.”
- “Even if I keep a positive attitude, things still fall apart.”
- “I have no reason to smile and be happy.”
- “Opportunities are limited for me.”
- “I struggle being content with my life.”
- “I’m not happy with who I am.”
- “Lack seems to be the story of my life.”
- “Being positive doesn’t work.”
- “Can my life get any worse?”
- “Everything always ends up the same.”
- “My life gets worse every day.”
- “There is nothing for me to get excited about.”
- “It’s a waste of time to work on me.”
- “I’m not putting myself out there if I/It is not perfect.”
- “Same Sh!#, different day.”
- “Story of my life.”
- “Good things never last forever.”
- “It’s too good to be true.”
Examples That Diminish Self Love
If self love is something you want to develop, then avoid the following negative self talk examples.
- “I hate who I am.”
- “I don’t deserve to feel good about myself.”
- “I do not deserve to love myself.”
- “There is nothing special about me.”
- “I am a dumpster fire of existence.”
- “I suck at life.”
- “I can’t do anything right.”
- “I’m not smart enough to do that.”
- “I am not good enough.”
- “I don’t have a lot to offer.”
- “I’m such a failure.”
- “Everything I touch falls apart.”
- “I’m so stupid.”
- “I wish I could just disappear.”
- “I’m not worth it.”
- “People won’t like me.”
- “I’ll never be any different.”
- “I should be better.”
- “I am not talented enough.”
- “I have no idea why ____ (something good that happed for you).
Negative Self Talk Examples for Body Image and Health
The following negative self talk examples are linked to or causes body image issues. Avoid saying these things if you want to feel better about your body.
- “I’m disgusting.”
- “My body sucks.”
- “I’m so ugly.”
- “I look horrible in this ____.” (Dress, Shirt, etc.)
- “My physical health doesn’t matter.”
- “I’m too lazy to get in shape.”
- “People will laugh at me in the gym.”
- “I should look more like him/her.”
- “I’m not attractive.”
- “I hate my body.
- “I’ll never look like I used to.”
- “I wish I was ___. (Skinnier, Muscular, Taller, Shorter, etc.)
- “I hate _____ about my body.”
- “Everyone thinks I’m gross.”
- “I’m over the hill.”
- “I feel so old.”
- “I have no willpower.”
- “I’m just destined to be ____. (Fat, Skinny, Ugly, etc.)
- “Everyone else looks better than I do.”
- “I can’t image anyone being attracted to this.”
Examples that Kill Your Confidence
The following negative self talk examples will wreak havoc on your confidence. Avoid saying them if you want to feel confident in yourself and your abilities.
- “I’ll never be able to do it.”
- “I totally suck at this.”
- “I’ll never be good at anything.”
- “I’m such a loser.”
- “I have no power to do anything.”
- “It’s too difficult for me.”
- “I’ll never follow through.”
- “Others are better than me.”
- “I’m not enough.”
- “I can’t compete.”
- “I’ll never be on their level.”
- “Who am I to speak up?”
- “No one wants my opinion.”
- “What will they think of me?”
- “I’m too shy and quiet.”
- “I have no confidence.”
- “I get easily overwhelmed.”
- “I can’t come up with solutions.”
- “Why me?”
- “What if they judge me?
Negative Self Talk Examples for Relationships and Love
It will be difficult to find love or have a healthy relationship if you constantly spew negative energy. Be careful of the following self talk examples.
- “I don’t deserve to be loved.”
- “No one will ever love me.”
- “I’m going to die sad and alone.”
- “True love is a myth.”
- “I’m completely alone and no one is ever there for me.”
- “It’s too late for me.”
- “I have too much baggage.”
- “It probably wouldn’t have worked out anyway.”
- “I should be married by now.”
- “I am ugly and undesirable.”
- “My relationship is hopeless.”
- “It should be easy.”
- “I don’t deserve to be a priority.”
- “They are way out of my league.”
- “They are too good for me.”
- “I don’t want to get hurt again.”
- “I can’t forgive them.”
- “There are no good men/women out there anymore.”
- “I’m a horrible _____. (Boyfriend, Husband, Girlfriend, Wife, etc.)
- “I’m not the relationship type.”
Conclusion
Self-criticism can sabotage every area of your life. If you use any of these negative self talk examples then work to replace them with positive self talk.
Which one of these self talk examples do you use more than you’d like? Let me know in the comments below.
2 Comments
I’m a very positive person. I center myself around people that are high spirited rather than negative energy. I always try to walk away from negative people leaving them with a positive thought. Example – my daughter is so distracted on where hurricanes are headed I tell her to consecrate on the positive- like we will have enough time to plan should the course change.
Happy to be alive !
Wanda
Well said. We are basically bombarded with negativity. There is no way to avoid it completely so it’s good to be proactive as you are. Thank you for sharing!