Negative self-talk can be a real roadblock to happiness and success. When you’re constantly telling yourself that you’re not good enough, smart enough, or worthy enough, it can be hard to believe in yourself and your abilities.

If you’re tired of hurting your own feelings with negative self-talk, here are a few tips to help you quash that inner critic and start believing in yourself:

1. Recognize when you’re engaging in negative self-talk. The first step in changing your negative self-talk is to become aware of when you’re doing it. Pay attention to your internal dialogue and notice when you’re putting yourself down or doubting yourself.
2. Challenge your negative thoughts. Once you’ve identified your negative self-talk, it’s important to challenge it. Ask yourself if the thoughts you’re having are really true, or if they’re just negative beliefs that you’ve internalized. Try to come up with evidence to the contrary – for example, if you’re telling yourself that you’re not good enough, try to think of times when you have succeeded or excelled.
3. Practice self-compassion. It’s important to be kind to yourself, especially when you’re struggling with negative self-talk. Practice self-compassion by talking to yourself the way you would talk to a friend. Be understanding and supportive, and remember that it’s okay to make mistakes – we all do it.
4. Focus on your strengths. Instead of dwelling on your weaknesses, try to focus on your strengths. What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing? What makes you unique? By focusing on your strengths, you can build your confidence and self-esteem.
5. Surround yourself with supportive people. The people you spend time with can have a big impact on your mindset and self-perception. Surround yourself with people who are supportive and positive, and try to limit your time with people who are critical or negative.
6. Seek professional help. If you’re struggling with negative self-talk and it’s impacting your daily life, it might be helpful to seek professional help. A therapist or counselor can help you identify the root causes of your negative self-talk and develop strategies to overcome it.
7. Practice gratitude. One of the best ways to combat negative self-talk is to practice gratitude. Make a habit of focusing on the things you’re grateful for, no matter how small. This can help shift your focus from your shortcomings to the things that are going well in
   your life.

It’s normal to have negative thoughts from time to time, but if your negative self-talk is holding you back, it’s time to take action. By recognizing and challenging your negative thoughts, practicing self-compassion, and focusing on your strengths, you can start to quiet that inner critic and believe in yourself again.