self-talk

noun

ˌself-ˈtȯk 

: talk or thoughts directed at oneself

As we push through the pain during a race, it's natural to talk to ourselves. It's also natural to have an unpleasant conversation. Studies show that both negative and positive self-talk influence performance—you can guess which works best.

—Bicycling

… let's say a student said, "I'm having trouble learning these new techniques." The first thing I would do is probe into his self-talk. He's probably thinking, "I shouldn't be having so much trouble."

—Thomas J. Nardi

Neil Fiore, a motivational speaker … says the road to timely tax filing can be reached with a little positive self-talk.

—Kris Frieswick

Examples of self-talk in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This can lead to negative self-talk that lowers your chances of achieving any of the goals. —Jenny McCoy, SELF, 22 Jan. 2025

Verse was despondent after the game and his self-talk was brutal. —Jourdan Rodrigue, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025

Create a personal 'Inner Critic Translation Guide' that turns negative self-talk into specific, forward-moving actions. —Jodie Cook, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025

Negative self-talk: Self-criticism undermines confidence and happiness. —Nel-Olivia Waga, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1737, in the meaning defined above