Written words are powerful, as are spoken words; but have you ever stopped to realize how compelling internal language can be?  We all think to ourselves and talk to ourselves. Is your self-talk positive or negative?

If you aren't sure, pay attention and start monitoring your thoughts. If you notice that you are consistently conjuring up negative self-talk, take control back and replace that with more positive notions.

• Approach: If you find that you are grumbling about something, try to correct your attitude. Sometimes just approaching a situation from a different angle will switch a negative into a positive (or at least a neutral) event by deciding to give it a chance before jumping to cynical conclusions.

• Yes, you can: Use self-talk to remind yourself of what you are capable of. Don't limit yourself and think that you can't finish something or reach the next level. Before declaring something impossible, look for solutions and reexamine your options.  Don't allow limiting statements to deter you from your goals.

• Language: Have you ever noticed how compelling positive words can be? Take the example of a hospital: pay attention and you will notice that nurses are quite effective at turning seemingly negative words, such as "pain" into less intense statements, like "discomfort." Try this trick yourself. Instead of using harsh words (angry, hate, terrible, despise, etc.), be cognizant of the negativity and make changes (I feel upset, annoyed, frustrated, etc.). While the latter examples still allow you to vent, their more neutral inferences offer hope and the opportunity to transform a situation into a more positive one. This may seem like a little thing, but the effects can be big.

• Cheer yourself on: Compliment yourself when you accomplish something you set out to do. Even if it was a small step, build up positive self esteem whenever you have the opportunity. If you stumble, acknowledge it and examine the reasons; but then move on and remind yourself that next time you can do better. Personal pep talks can be powerful tricks!

• Don't expect perfection: By no means do you have to ALWAYS feel upbeat and confident. Everything in life takes time and effort. Working on self-assurance through the words you speak to yourself is an ongoing process that can always be improved on and strengthened. But make strides a little at a time and soon positive self-talk will become a habit, not a challenge.

Your internal dialogue can be like a roadmap to your happiness.  Each time you speak to yourself, your words take you to different destinations. Will you arrive at a positive place?

Even if it takes awhile to get there, work on these habits bit-by-bit. When you encounter roadblocks along the way, remember that YOU are the one in the driver's seat and you have the power to push through or allow obstacles to hold you back.

Push ahead and enjoy the ride!