By Dave Smith – The Ultimate Retirement Coach
Positive self talk shapes who you become.
How you speak to yourself becomes how you see yourself. And how you see yourself becomes how you live your life—especially in retirement.
Let’s get this straight:
It’s “I did a bad thing,” not “I am a bad person.”
It’s “I tried and failed,” not “I am a failure.”
It’s “I did it wrong,” not “I am wrong.”
This is the power of positive self talk: changing your inner narrative without denying your reality.
What unhelpful things do you say to yourself—and how can you rephrase them?
Catch those phrases that keep you stuck. You know the ones:
“I’ll never figure this out.”
“I always mess up.”
“I’m too old to change.”
Now ask yourself:
Would I speak to a friend this way? If not, why say it to myself?
Write it down. Then rewrite it—through the lens of positive self talk.
(Recommended: Use this as a journaling prompt all week.)
Stop labeling yourself in hurtful ways.
This week, become aware of how often you define yourself with words that cut you down.
Every time you catch it, pause. Rephrase. Replace. Repeat.
You’re not failing—you’re learning. You’re not broken—you’re becoming.
It’s time to talk to yourself like someone who actually wants you to win.
Try this for 7 days. Then tell me what you notice.
🔄 Reflect, Then Share
Positive self talk isn’t fluff. It’s your foundation. Be careful what you build it with.
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Retirement is your chance to become who you really are—without the old labels, limits, or loops.
Start that journey with one shift: how you talk to yourself.
—Dave Smith, Your Ultimate Retirement Coach
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