How to set goals you’ll actually achieve
By VANESSA VAN EDWARDS via The Globe and Mail
Jan. 03 2013
Instructional self-talk is the internal commentary that happens while we are trying to complete a challenging activity or task. For example, while completing a difficult report at work, your instructional self-talk might sound like, “OK – open up Powerpoint, find a title image, make a chart on the recent statistics…”
This kind of self-talk actually helps us in ways researchers are just beginning to understand – especially with regards to goal-setting. It can help you:
1. Battle distractions. In today’s digital world – filled with Blackberries, laptops and iPads – it is difficult to focus on a task, especially a challenging one. Instructional self-talk actually lets us focus on the most important basics of the task at hand and help our mind block out anything happening around us. So, when you are working on a report and you only have a few hours to do it, instructional self-talk will help you get the report done faster by blocking out your pinging inbox and beeping phone.
2. Be more logical. Saying tasks out loud or at least breaking down tasks mentally helps us make calculated decisions on what to do next. Instructional self-talk will help you make better decisions. For example, think about when you are trying to decide how to split up a project at work. Engaging in instructional self-talk will help you make better decisions on who to choose because it ensures you are thinking through every logical step in the project.
3. Beat out emotions. For entrepreneurs, it’s very important to keep emotions out of business decisions. Researchers found that instructional self-talk does exactly that: It helps you control your emotions as you move through each task. For example, if you are thinking about hiring someone or bringing them onto your team, but are swayed by your personal friendship, instructional self-talk can help you make a clear, unbiased decision.
How to Incorporate Instructional Self-Talk Now that you know the benefits of self-talk, there are a few ways you can incorporate it into your day-to-day work life: Read full article>>