Not every thought you think is the truth. But your brain is always listening.
This week’s prompt
Self-talk test: Is it Kind, True, Useful?
(inspired by Lori Gottlieb’s work on examining our inner stories)
This week’s move (60–120 seconds)
1️⃣ Catch one sticky sentence you’re telling yourself today.
2️⃣ Write it down and run the three checks:
- Kind? Would I say this to someone I care about?
- True? What’s the evidence for and against it? What else might be true?
- Useful? Will this wording help me act?
3️⃣ Rewrite one line that passes the test. Optional: add because + a tiny next step.
“I’m so behind” → “I’m behind on one task; because 10 minutes helps, I’ll start now.”
Why it works (science, no fluff)
- You’re updating the Default Mode Network (DMN) narrative from global, harsh statements to accurate, actionable ones.
- You cue the Reticular Activating System (RAS) to notice evidence and opportunities that match the revised line (not the catastrophic one).
- Two add-ons boost this: distanced self-talk (“Julie, here’s your next step…”, per Ethan Kross) and self-compassion (Kristin Neff’s work shows it increases motivation vs self-criticism).
Make it yours (keep it tiny)
- “I always mess up presentations” → “I was nervous last time, however, I handled Q&A. Useful next step: rehearse the opener once.”
- Boundary example: “I’m letting people down” → “I’m choosing one priority today; I’ll update others at 4pm.”
Reflect (evening)
What line did I change today?
Write one sentence: “The kinder, truer, more useful version was…”
Celebrate the micro-win.
Call To Action
Try the test once today and share your rewritten line below—your wording might help someone else.
Question
Which word do you most need today—Kind, True, or Useful
#WinterSunflowerChallenge #YourMoveYourGameYourFuture #UnlockYourPotential #BrainIsAlwaysListening #AcademicAndLifeCoach #PersonalGrowthJourney #LifeCoachingTips #CoachingJourney #ResilientMindset #IntentionalLiving #TransformationStartsHere
Week 7🌻 Pre-holiday reset
