Negative Self-Talk and How to Change It

This narration walks through how repetitive thoughts—especially negative ones—can become powerful mental “programs” that influence mood, motivation, relationships, and the way life opportunities are perceived. It explains why pessimistic thinking can feel automatic, and how it often develops through repeated messages from childhood experiences, social environments, and difficult seasons of life.

With a supportive tone, the script introduces a simple, structured approach inspired by Shad Helmstetter’s work: noticing self-talk in key moments, restating negative messages into constructive ones, and adding consistent positive input to help the brain build new patterns over time. The focus is not on forcing cheerfulness, but on practicing kinder, more useful thinking—one day at a time.

• Listeners who notice recurring self-criticism and want a calm, realistic way to shift their inner dialogue
• People who feel stuck in pessimism, worry, or “what’s the point?” thinking and want hopeful, practical steps forward
• Parents, partners, and teammates who want to create a more supportive emotional environment for the people around them

Shad Helmstetter, PhD, is a researcher and author known for decades of work on self-talk and how repeated internal messages influence behavior and well-being. He has helped popularize the idea that consistent, constructive mental input can reshape attitudes over time.