#62: Learning to Talk to Yourself (For Better Decision Making)
May 28, 2020
Image Credit: "Mon Coeur" (from the series, When Two Hearts Meet) Mindfulness Circle by Ethan Blu (2024). Acrylic on canvas. 48" x 48".
FROM THIS SHOW…
Have you ever made a decision when your head is spinning? Chances are it didn’t turn out so well, even if the consequences were small. One of the major features of a bipolar disorder is a loss of judgment. Under ordinary times, you can think, speak, and act with no negative consequences. But turn on the illness and it’s a different story. Enter the need for proper self-talk!
The practice of self-talk is an art, and there are no shortages of people willing to show you how it’s done. For most people, the “inner voice” is a place of conflict. This is especially true of the person’s who’s got a mental illness. Getting foundational about this skill is a great place to start, especially if you’re into making better calls.
In this follow-up episode to The Bipolar Now Podcast, Mike shares about using self-talk to progress specifically in our work lives through calculated decision making. Rather than getting caught in the loop of low-paying or unsatisfying jobs, he explains how to use an ancient technique of question-asking to break free from the oppression of toxic self-talk.
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Listen to the podcast:
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TAKEAWAYS
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When faced with having to go back to work, it’s very helpful to see each opportunity for what it is: either a confidence builder or a place for mastery to develop.
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Fears and clouded judgement are common symptoms of going back to work or taking a new job. Plan around this with healthy self-talk, which you can learn from your Lifer(s) and other supportive people.
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Great self-talk starts with “taking thoughts captive” and questioning yourself when they become damaging, spiteful, or loaded with fear and anxiety.
Lifer Discussion Guide
Use the questions in today’s Lifer Guide to help you out with the subject of self-talk, and all the inner battles that go along with it!
“Lifers” are special people who have unwavering faithfulness. This assures you that they’ll stick around through all the highs and lows that are normal for a life with mental health challenges. If you haven’t nominated a lifelong family member or friend as part of your non-medical support team, what are you waiting for? :-)
The Questions:
1) Who’s your favorite actor/actress or comedian? / What about the way they talk do you absolutely love?
2) Who’s the most positive person you know? / What’s it like to be around them? (Be honest.)
3) Who’s the most negative person you know? / Why do you think they’re so negative?
4) If you could think like anyone you know or admire, who would that be? / What do you see in their decision-making—what is it like?
5) How can you model your inner thought life after someone like that? / What would change for you?
6) What’s a good question you can ask yourself about your work life right now? / Do you need to take the next step, like Mike was talking about?
Join the Tribe!
Once you’ve had a chance to talk or journal about these things you might have a question from this episode. If so, make sure you head on over to The Bipolar Now Podcast Network on Facebook! There’s quite a few people over there who are also taking a new step in their mental health. And we’d love for you to share your story with us when you’re ready. So don’t miss out!
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