Self-talk is the inner dialogue that we have with ourselves. It can be positive or negative, but it always influences our behavior and emotions.
Some people believe that it’s a reflection of our innermost self, and can easily over-identify with the subject matter.
In this way, the words we use to talk to ourselves can have a profound effect on our lives.
If you’re looking for some guidance on how to improve your self-talk, check out these five books.
The Best Books on Self-Talk
1. What to Say When You Talk to Yourself by Shad Helmstetter
In this classic book, Shad Helmstetter explores the power of self-talk and shows readers how to use it to improve their lives.
Helmstetter begins by explaining the basics of topic, including its origins and how it works.
He then provides a step-by-step guide for using self-talk to overcome negative thinking, boost self-confidence, and achieve success.
Throughout the material, Helmstetter includes real-life examples of how self-talk has helped people overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.
By teaching readers how to utilize this powerful tool, Helmstetter empowers them to take control of their lives and create lasting change.
Pros
- A vital reminder that we become what we think about the most, and that we have the power to change our thoughts.
- Offers a step-by-step guide for using self-talk to improve your life.
- Features real-life examples of how these techniques have helped people overcome obstacles and attain their goals.
Cons
- Could provide more scientific evidence to support arguments.
- Writing might be regarded as verbose.
Bottom Line
What to Say When You Talk to Yourself is a helpful guide for anyone interested in using self-talk to improve their life.
This book provides readers with the tools they need to overcome negative thinking, boost self-confidence, and achieve success.
2. Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters, and How to Harness It by Ethan Kross
In Chatter, Ethan Kross draws on cutting-edge research to explore the science of self-talk and its effects on our lives.
He shows how the words we say to ourselves can impact our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours in both positive and negative ways.
For example, self-talk can be used to boost confidence and performance in challenging situations, or it can be used to beat ourselves up and fuel feelings of anxiety and inadequacy.
As an accomplished psychologist, Kross also delves into the science of self-talk.
He argues that self talk is a powerful tool that we can use to change the way we think, feel, and behave.
With insight and clarity, Chatter is an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the power of words.
Pros
- As a professor of psychology, the author is well-credentialled to talk on the topic.
- Not only teaches us how to manage the voice in our head, but also harness it as an ally.
- The book provides an incredibly useful summary of practical tips.
Cons
- Experienced readers on the topic might find they don’t glean any new insights.
- Some readers might deem this a one-size-fits-all approach to the topic.
Bottom Line
Chatter by Ethan Kross is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the power of self-talk.
Kross draws on the latest evidence to explore the science of self-talk and its effects on our lives.
He provides readers with practical tools to boost confidence, performance, and wellbeing.
3. The Science of Self Talk: How to Increase Your Emotional Intelligence and Stop Getting in Your Own Way by Ian Tuhovsky
The Science of Self Talk is a comprehensive guide to understanding and using the power of positive self-talk.
Author Ian Tuhovsky begins by discussing the importance of our inner dialogue and how it can impact both our thoughts and our actions.
It looks at the science behind the process, and how it can help to rewire our brains for success, along with a number of exercises and techniques that readers can utlize.
He then provides a step-by-step framework for using self-talk to achieve specific goals.
The book also includes a section on common self-talk mistakes and how to avoid them.
Throughout, Tuhovsky uses real-world examples to illustrate how this pehnonemon works in various situations.
The Science of Self Talk is an indispensable resource for anyone interested in harnessing the power of positive thinking.
Pros
- A good argument for the power of introspection.
- Quick, clear, and concise read.
- Practical exercises supplement the theoretical content.
Cons
- Prioritizes practical tips over academic research.
- Lacking new material if you’ve read other books on the subject.
Bottom Line
The Science of Self Talk is a quick and easy read that provides a detailed look at the power of positive self-talk.
The book includes a number of exercises and techniques that readers can use to their advantage.
4. Detox Your Thoughts: Quit Negative Self-Talk for Good and Discover the Life You’ve Always Wanted by Andrea Bonior
In this compelling read, psychologist Andrea Bonior offers a practical guide to improving our mental health.
Drawing on her own experience with anxiety and depression, Bonior provides readers with tools to help identify and manage negative thoughts and emotions.
The book includes information on how to understand and challenge one’s thinking patterns, as well as tips for managing stress and anxiety.
Throughout the book, Bonior emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and acceptance in the journey to mental wellness.
With its combination of personal anecdotes and expert advice, Detox Your Thoughts is an invaluable psychological resource.
Pros
- Addresses the multi-faceted causes of negative self-talk.
- Offers applicable CBT and mindfulness techniques.
- Includes a healthy dose of humor.
Cons
- Might not be enough for people suffering from more severe mental health issues.
- Contains practices that we might already be familiar with.
Bottom Line
Detox Your Thoughts is a helpful book that offers practical advice for recognizing recursive thoughts and managing negative emotions.
5. How to Stubbornly Refuse to Make Yourself Miserable About Anything: Yes, Anything by Albert Ellis
In this seminal book, Dr. Albert Ellis presents his ideas on how to achieve emotional health and happiness.
According to Ellis, the key to a life free from misery is to learn how to change our thinking.
He explains that we all have irrational beliefs that lead us to feel upset and stressed.
For example, we may believe that we must always be perfect or that other people must treat us fairly.
However, these beliefs are unrealistic and can often lead to anxiety and depression.
By learning to identify and challenge our beliefs, we can learn how to control our emotions and live happier lives.
The book begins with an introduction to Ellis’ theory of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) before providing readers with a step-by-step guide on how to identify and challenge irrational beliefs.
In the second half of the book, Ellis applies his REBT principles to various real-life situations, such as relationships, work, and parenting.
He also includes helpful exercises and case studies throughout the book to illustrate his points.
Pros
- Written by one of the most renowned psychotherapists in history.
- Introduces the concept of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, which is a spin on the Stoic technique of reframing our reactions to external stimuli.
- The material is applicable to a range of mental health conditions.
Cons
- Some might find the author has a strange writing style.
- Can come across as slightly condescending in places.
Bottom Line
Overall, this is a practical guide on how to achieve emotional health and happiness.
The book is written by one of the most influential psychotherapists in the field and provides readers with a step-by-step guide on how to identify and challenge irrational beliefs.
Summary
Self-talk is an extremely powerful mental phenomenon, not only determining how we feel about ourselves and the world around us, but also encouraging either a positive or negative outlook on life.
Unsurprisingly, it can have a profound effect on our decisions and resultant behavior.
Therefore, it is important to be aware of our inner dialogue and learn how to manage it effectively.
If you’re looking to improve your self-talk, the five book recommendations above are a great place to start.
