The Power of Positive Self-Talk Before the Big Exam
If you are anything like me then you may stress and anxiety before the big exam. No matter how much I prepare, study, and exercise, I still feel the pressure to perform the day of the test. But then I remember to have an athlete's mindset toward an academic goal! Meaning that way we talk to ourselves can be a game-changer in how we perform on the test. This is where the power of positive self-talk before the big exam comes into play.
Positive self-talk refers to the practice of consciously choosing our thoughts and learning to develop an inner dialogue that is like a coach, teacher, or supportive friend. When the negative thoughts and self-doubt set out to sabotage our exam performance, we can learn to turn to positive self-talk to support ourselves with confidence, clarity, and self-belief in our capabilities.
Why is positive self-talk so important before a big exam:
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Cultivates Confidence: Positive self-talk helps build confidence by focusing on what we know to be true like our strengths, previous successes, and abilities.
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Improves a Clarity Mindset: Positive self-talk directs our attention to the task at hand. This means we are guiding and selecting our thoughts to improve our focus and clarify our mindset so we can do our best on the exam.
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Self-Belief: When we experience success due to positive self-talk, it reinforces the belief in our abilities and encourages us to continue using this empowering technique in future challenges. This is called a growth mindset. Beyond the exam, positive self-talk helps to develop a healthier mindset overall by giving us a sense of mastery over our inner dialogue.
Let's review, how can I use positive self-talk?
- Practice positive affirmations.
- For example, "I'm prepared. I'm capable. I'm worthy of success."
- Visualize success.
- Practice deep breathing to relax yourself and develop a clarity mindset.
- Surround yourself encouraging people to cultivate confidence.
The take away is that positive self-talk is not just a an act of self-care; it's a powerful concept that can significantly impact our exam performance, well-being, and overall attitude toward life. Check out the FTCE Seminar Positive Self-talk podcast before taking your exam and learn how to apply this healthy mindset to your daily living.
