What is considered the first step in addressing negative self-talk?

Catching the negative thought is essential as the first step in addressing negative self-talk. This process involves becoming aware of the harmful or unproductive thoughts that occur in your mind. Recognizing these thoughts is crucial because it allows you to pause and reflect on their validity and impact. By identifying negative self-talk, individuals can begin to understand how it affects their emotions and behavior. This awareness lays the groundwork for the subsequent steps, such as challenging these thoughts, replacing them with more constructive ones, or employing positive affirmations.

While checking with a colleague can be valuable for gaining perspective, it does not tackle the inner dialogue directly. Changing the situation may not always be feasible or relevant, especially if the negative self-talk originates internally rather than from external circumstances. Claiming positive affirmations is a beneficial practice, but it typically follows the recognition of negative thoughts rather than being the initial step. Therefore, catching the negative thought is foundational, making it the correct first step in this process.