Look who's talking • 2 min read
Psychologists at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario designed a method that pinpoints the beginning and end of a thought. They analysed fMRI brain scans to show that the average human has on average 6,200 thoughts per day.
Introduction
“That was a terrible presentation, I’m just no good at these talks.”
Does this type of inner dialogue sound familiar?
Our performance in any given task is often diminished by self-doubt, judgement and a fear of failure.
Today we’ll look at a concept developed by Timothy Gallwey, author of the 'Inner Game' books.
His works highlight the importance of inner dialogue during performance and provide us with techniques to stay “in the zone”.
Inner dialogue
So, who’s talking to us?
Well, it could be that interfering, know-it-all so-and-so we call Self 1.
This is the voice telling us how to do things and constantly judging our performance.
Then, we have Self 2 who just wants to get on with the job without any interruption.
It’s the naturally functioning element of our actions. It’s non-judgmental, trustworthy and understands that it has a choice to learn new ways to get us moving in the right direction.
Self 1 is the conscious self.
Self 2 is the subconscious self.
And the two are always nattering away to each other.
There is a constant dialogue going on in our heads. There seems to be one voice issuing out all the orders and criticising us at every opportunity, and another part of us that is quiet and simply performing the actions.
Self 2 has a very simple modus operandi - it wants to focus on the job that will help us achieve our innate goals.
Self 1 typically wants the same outcomes and goals but instead of doing the job in a natural, enjoyable way, it is full of self-doubt, judgement and criticism.
Want to know how we can reduce that noisy neighbour Self 1?
Inner dialogue in practice
The goal is to remove the self-doubt, judgement and fear of failure by focusing on the process itself.
Take Eric for example. He is really keen to deliver a killer presentation.
Take a look at how his inner dialogue could play out pre and post presentation.
Negative inner dialogue
Self 1:
“There’s a lot riding on this, you can’t blow it.”
Self 2: Is tense and nervous during delivery
Positive inner dialogue
Self 1:
“Focus on your energy and speed at the start of the presentation.”
Self 2: Is focused on a specific area during delivery
Negative inner dialogue
Self 1:
“I messed up the introductory slide.”
Positive inner dialogue
Self 1:
“Great job, that was really well received. Next time, pay attention to your speed at the very start of the presentation.”
Key takeaways
Our inner dialogue can have a big impact on our performance.
Self 1 is the conscious self, telling us how to do things and constantly judging our performance.
Self 2 is the subconscious, the naturally functioning element of our actions.
Think big, act small
Simply start by becoming aware of your inner dialogue.
How can you adapt these inner conversations to work in your favour?
When preparing for a performance, focus on the process and not the outcome.
When analysing a performance, focus on how to improve specific elements for the next time and reduce self-criticism.
Content sources
Nature Communications, Brain meta-state transitions demarcate thoughts across task contexts exposing the mental noise of trait neuroticism, Julie Tseng and Jordan Poppenk
PsychologyToday, Negative Self-Talk: Don't Let It Overwhelm You, Fran Simone
The Inner Game of Work, Timothy Gallwey
Comments