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Have you ever looked in the mirror and See how that works? Take the toxic thought
thought something like, “my hair looks awful,” and give it a more positive spin. Then focus
“I’m too fat,” or “my nose is so weird!” Those on the positive spin instead of the negative
are examples of negative self-talk, and they thought. Just like potty training a puppy,
chisel away at your self-esteem like a sculptor consistency is the key to success. Catch that
chisels away marble on a statue. The difference voice inside your head thinking negatively, give
is the sculptor is creating something lovely, but it a quick correction, then move towards the
you’re gutting your self-confidence and ability thought you’d rather think. Lather, rinse, repeat
to believe in, as well as achieve, your dreams. and soon the voice inside your head will be
The negative words about yourself that live helping you win instead of shooting down your
dreams!
inside your head are habitual thoughts, which
means you probably believe them because
you’ve thought them often throughout most of Sandy Weaver is an author, consultant, professional
your life. They’re not necessarily true, so when speaker and AKC judge of the Working Group,
you can catch yourself thinking thoughts that some Non-Sporting and Toy breeds and Junior
don’t support your hopes, dreams, and desires, Showmanship. She’s a citizen-scientist in
you can redirect those thoughts to something neuroplasticity, neuroscience, and positive psychology,
and also works with clubs across America, presenting
more self-affirming. The more often you do seminars to help people win more in the conformation
it, the less often you’ll have to do it, because ring. When she’s not traveling to consult, speak or to
eventually that negative self-talk won’t be your judge, she’s spoiling her Siberian Husky and Standard
automatic, inside your brain, response. Poodle. Find out more about Sandy at:
Take a look at the list (on the previous page) https://www.centerforworkplacehappiness.com/dog-club-info
of common negative thoughts and the more Originally published October 2023 in The Canine Chronicle -
positive, hopeful thoughts you could shift www.caninechronicle.com
towards.
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