Positive self-talk usually involves using kind, encouraging words with oneself — like a gentle inner coach instead of a harsh critic. While it sounds simple, many people find positive self-talk to be one of the hardest habits to develop. Research shows that positive self-talk can significantly influence confidence, mood, and even how people perform under pressure.
The Positive Self-talk handout invites clients to take a closer look at their inner dialogue and shift toward words that build them up. It guides them through the kinds of statements that promote self-worth, mentions when to use positive self-talk, and provides tips on speaking kindly to oneself.
With this handout, young people can begin forming a new habit of consciously choosing words that lift their mindset and build inner strength. Once they understand the role their thoughts play, they can start rewriting the ones that hold them back.
Caring adults can encourage this by casually modeling their own positive self-talk aloud, like saying “I’ll do my best, that’s enough” during difficult tasks. Or they can invite kids to record a short audio message of their own voice saying something gentle they’d want to hear on bad days — so they can carry comfort with them anytime.
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Want more resources like this? Check out our full catalog of coping skills worksheets and handouts.
References:
- Flanagan, R. M., & Symonds, J. E. (2021). Self‐talk in middle childhood: A mechanism for motivational resilience during learning. Psychology in the Schools, 58(6), 1007-1025. https://doi.org/10.1002/pits.22484
- Kim, J., Kwon, J. H., Kim, J., Kim, E. J., Kim, H. E., Kyeong, S., & Kim, J. (2021). The effects of positive or negative self-talk on the alteration of brain functional connectivity by performing cognitive tasks. Scientific Reports, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-94328-9
- Mulawarman, M., Antika, E. R., Hariyadi, S., Ilmi, A. M., Prabawa, A. F., Pautina, A. R., Chairunnisa, D., Benu, K. M., Nadhita, G., Lathifah, A. A., & Yuliana, V. (2024). Positive self-talk in adolescent: A systematic literature review. Bulletin of Counseling and Psychotherapy, 6(3). https://doi.org/10.51214/002024061034000
- Nurfallah, W. V., Hadi, I. G., Lestari, N. S., Dirham, I. F., & Ayriza, Y. (2024). Empowering young minds: Enhancing self-confidence in 5th-grade elementary students through positive self-talk. Insight: Jurnal Ilmiah Psikologi, 26(1), 46-55. https://doi.org/10.26486/psikologi.v26i1.3576
