What To Say When You Talk To Your Self by Shad Helmstetter

Last updated: Aug 9, 2023

Summary of What To Say When You Talk To Your Self by Shad Helmstetter

"What To Say When You Talk To Your Self" by Shad Helmstetter is a self-help book that explores the power of self-talk and its impact on our lives. The author emphasizes the importance of the messages we give ourselves and how they shape our beliefs, attitudes, and actions. The book begins by explaining the concept of self-talk and how it influences our subconscious mind. Helmstetter argues that our self-talk is like a program that runs in the background of our minds, affecting our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. He suggests that by changing our self-talk, we can reprogram our minds for success and happiness. Helmstetter introduces the idea of "self-talk scripts," which are positive affirmations or statements that we can repeat to ourselves to create positive change. He emphasizes the need for consistency and repetition in using these scripts, as they help to replace negative self-talk patterns with more empowering ones. The author also explores the different types of self-talk, such as negative self-talk, positive self-talk, and instructional self-talk. He explains how negative self-talk can hold us back and limit our potential, while positive self-talk can boost our confidence and motivation. Instructional self-talk, on the other hand, helps us set goals and take action towards achieving them. Helmstetter provides practical techniques and exercises to help readers implement positive self-talk in their daily lives. He suggests creating a personalized self-talk program by identifying specific areas of improvement and developing corresponding scripts. The author also emphasizes the importance of visualization and mental rehearsal in reinforcing positive self-talk. Throughout the book, Helmstetter shares inspiring stories and examples of individuals who have transformed their lives through the power of self-talk. He highlights the role of self-talk in various aspects of life, including relationships, career, health, and personal growth. In conclusion, "What To Say When You Talk To Your Self" is a comprehensive guide to understanding and harnessing the power of self-talk. It offers practical strategies and techniques to reprogram our minds for success and happiness. By changing our self-talk, we can overcome limiting beliefs, boost our confidence, and create a more fulfilling life.

1. The Power of Self-Talk

In "What To Say When You Talk To Your Self," Shad Helmstetter emphasizes the immense power of self-talk and its impact on our lives. He explains that our self-talk, the internal dialogue we have with ourselves, shapes our beliefs, attitudes, and actions. Helmstetter argues that by consciously choosing positive and empowering self-talk, we can reprogram our minds and achieve greater success and happiness.

By understanding the power of self-talk, we can become more aware of the thoughts and words we use to communicate with ourselves. Helmstetter provides practical techniques and exercises to help readers identify and replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations. This insight is actionable because it encourages us to take control of our inner dialogue and use it as a tool for personal growth and transformation.

2. The Subconscious Mind

Helmstetter delves into the workings of the subconscious mind and its role in shaping our reality. He explains that our subconscious mind is like a computer that operates based on the programming it receives. Our self-talk acts as the programming language for our subconscious mind, influencing our beliefs, habits, and behaviors.

Understanding the power of the subconscious mind allows us to recognize the importance of positive self-talk. By consistently feeding our subconscious mind with positive and empowering messages, we can reprogram it to support our goals and aspirations. Helmstetter provides techniques such as writing and repeating affirmations to help readers harness the power of their subconscious mind and create the life they desire.

3. The Impact of Negative Programming

Helmstetter highlights the detrimental effects of negative programming on our lives. He explains that negative self-talk, often rooted in past experiences or external influences, can limit our potential and hinder our progress. Negative programming can create self-doubt, fear, and a lack of confidence, preventing us from taking risks and pursuing our dreams.

Recognizing the impact of negative programming is crucial for personal growth. Helmstetter encourages readers to identify and challenge their negative self-talk, replacing it with positive affirmations. By doing so, we can break free from the limitations imposed by negative programming and create a more fulfilling and successful life.

4. The Power of Visualization

Helmstetter explores the power of visualization as a tool for achieving our goals. He explains that by vividly imagining our desired outcomes, we can activate our subconscious mind and align our thoughts and actions with our aspirations. Visualization helps us create a clear mental image of what we want to achieve, making it easier to stay focused and motivated.

By incorporating visualization techniques into our daily routine, we can enhance our self-talk and reinforce positive beliefs. Helmstetter provides practical exercises to guide readers in visualizing their goals and desires, enabling them to tap into the power of their subconscious mind and manifest their dreams.

5. The Role of Beliefs

Helmstetter emphasizes the role of beliefs in shaping our reality. He explains that our beliefs act as filters through which we interpret and respond to the world around us. Our self-talk plays a crucial role in reinforcing or challenging these beliefs.

By examining our beliefs and questioning their validity, we can identify any limiting beliefs that may be holding us back. Helmstetter provides strategies to help readers replace limiting beliefs with empowering ones through positive self-talk. This insight encourages us to take a proactive approach in shaping our beliefs and ultimately transforming our lives.

6. The Importance of Affirmations

Helmstetter emphasizes the power of affirmations in reprogramming our minds and achieving our goals. Affirmations are positive statements that we repeat to ourselves to reinforce desired beliefs and behaviors. Helmstetter explains that by consistently using affirmations, we can override negative self-talk and replace it with empowering messages.

By incorporating affirmations into our daily routine, we can create a positive and supportive inner dialogue. Helmstetter provides guidance on crafting effective affirmations and offers techniques to make them more impactful. This insight highlights the importance of consciously choosing our self-talk and using affirmations as a tool for personal transformation.

7. The Influence of Environment

Helmstetter discusses the influence of our environment on our self-talk and overall mindset. He explains that external factors such as the people we surround ourselves with and the media we consume can shape our beliefs and attitudes. Helmstetter encourages readers to be mindful of their environment and consciously choose positive influences.

By surrounding ourselves with supportive and uplifting individuals and exposing ourselves to positive and inspiring content, we can enhance our self-talk and reinforce empowering beliefs. This insight reminds us of the importance of curating our environment to support our personal growth and success.

8. The Power of Repetition

Helmstetter emphasizes the power of repetition in reprogramming our minds. He explains that by consistently repeating positive affirmations and engaging in empowering self-talk, we can create new neural pathways in our brain and reinforce desired beliefs and behaviors.

Understanding the power of repetition allows us to be patient and persistent in our self-improvement journey. Helmstetter provides techniques to help readers incorporate repetition into their daily routine, ensuring that positive self-talk becomes a habit. This insight highlights the importance of consistency and perseverance in harnessing the full potential of our self-talk.