Day 13 Message: The Habit of Self-Talk (Yes, That Voice in Your Head)

We all have it, that running commentary in our heads that seems to show up at the most inconvenient times. It can pop up during a workout with thoughts like, “Why is this harder than yesterday?” or at mealtime when we think, “Well, I already messed this up...” Sometimes it even shows up before our feet hit the floor in the morning. And that inner voice? It matters far more than we realize.

Over time, the way we talk to ourselves becomes a habit. Just like any other habit, it can either help us move forward or quietly wear us down. The encouraging thing is that this is another habit we can retrain. We don’t have to believe every thought that pops into our heads, even when it sounds convincing or familiar.

In fact, a lot of our self-talk isn’t true at all. It’s often made up of old stories, comparisons, or expectations we picked up years ago and never questioned. Craig Groeschel says it so well: “Our lives are always moving in the direction of our strongest thoughts.” That’s a reminder I come back to often, especially on days when my thoughts start running faster than my faith. What we repeat to ourselves really does shape how we feel and where we’re headed.

Negative self-talk often shows up when it comes to fitness. What if we changed the script and talked to our bodies the same way we’d talk to a friend? Simple phrases like “I’m proud I showed up today” or “My body is getting stronger” can completely change how a workout feels. Our bodies respond far better to support than pressure. Mine certainly does.

The same is true with food, where self-talk can get especially loud. Words like “bad,” “cheating,” or “I failed” have never helped anyone make better choices. They just make it harder to move on. Curiosity, on the other hand, can be a game-changer. Instead of judging yourself, try asking questions like, “How does this food make me feel afterward?” or “Did this give me energy or leave me dragging?” or even, “What would help me feel better at my next meal?” Curiosity keeps me learning instead of quitting.

So today, pay attention to how you talk to yourself. You don’t need to silence that inner voice, just guide it. Small changes in how you speak to yourself can lead to meaningful changes in how you live. And that’s a habit absolutely worth keeping.