Step #1: Monitor Your Self-Talk
There’s a myth that being self-critical will push us to perform better. This is only partly true. It does not lead to happiness or sustainable progress. Our inner critic is often more harmful than useful.
Negative self-talk creates internal pressure that forces the brain to overload and misfire. While often lauded, perfectionism, like any other extreme habit, can also be a double-edged sword.
Perfectionists are more likely to ruminate more and are also prone to excessive worry. This taxes the brain leading to overload.
If you constantly find yourself over-analyzing, overthinking, and complicating your decisions, you may be setting yourself up for an overloaded brain.
Tip: Substitute words such as “I must” and “I need to” from your self-talk with words that don’t pile up mental pressure. Instead, use words like “I could” or “I prefer", that allow you to relax and consider your options. It will help you take a stronger more sustainable, more powerful perspective to help you make the right decision.