“I feel so dumb. This comes so easily to the other girls in class.” Those words, said the first week of class, set a spark off in me after my mom scolded me for talking so poorly about myself. She said to me that if I train my brain to believe that, then those are the results I will get. She insisted that I stop the negative talk to start mining positive vibes my way. And guess what? It worked. Not only in the classroom, but in all other aspects of life.
We do not build our lives all at once, we build them daily word by word. The human language shapes our confidence, daily outcomes, and mindset through the way we speak to ourselves and others. The usage of positive speech will strengthen our mental habits and build encouragement in our day to day lives.
In the article, ‘The Power of Language: How Words Shape People and Culture’ by the Stanford Report states, “Studying how people use language – what words and phrases they unconsciously choose and combine – can help us better understand ourselves and why we behave the way we do.”
”Yes, words shape our daily lives through conversations, interactions, and ultimately how we spend our time. This is our lived reality and I believe words play a major part.” Counselor Mrs. Lisa Boyle said.
Furthermore, in AP Psychology, taught by Mrs. Bethann Leaming, students learned about the theory of linguistic determinism— the belief that language and its structure determines how we think, perceive, and interact with the world.
For example, when you are walking into a test and say ‘I will fail’ it activates defeat before completing the task at hand. By using a reframed sentence such as ‘I prepared and try my best’ creates positive energy going into the assessment.
Students throughout Mount maintain the same connection between confidence and internal language.
Brooklyn Vargas ‘26 explained that “when something is described in a certain way, it can completely change how we view the situation.” This showcases the influence language shifts have on interpretation.
Olivia Courchain ‘26 strengthened this belief by stating “I think when you speak to yourself and others positively you have a positive mindset and a happier life. Whereas, when you are constantly thinking negatively it will greatly impact your happiness and the way you talk to and treat yourself as well as those around you” This quote reinforces how our self-talk does not remain internal it affects how we treat ourselves and others.
In the same way we build our lives word by word, we are also building our confidence thought by thought. Small shifts in language can create a huge impact in how we see and treat ourselves.
Here are five ways that can help reform and shift mindsets from negative to positive:
Looking in the mirror and saying daily affirmations
By standing in front of a mirror and looking at yourself in a positive way by using phrases such as “I am smart” and “I am beautiful” can instill unconditional self-love.
Maintaining a gratitude journal
Whether weekly or daily, reflecting on the good in your life can help us remember that bad moments do not last forever. There are always good things happening in our daily lives.
Practice reframing thoughts
Rather than saying “I can’t do this” say “This is hard, but I can slowly achieve it with practice and hard work.” By doing this, our brain is able to break out of automatic negative thoughts.
Create a “reset” activity
When you feel negativity consuming your mind, create a reset routine to shift your thoughts and calm you down. This can consist of working out, coloring, going for a walk or drive, etc.
Set goals for yourself
By setting achievable goals, even small ones, you provide opportunities to succeed and thrive. By celebrating every achievement momentum is built and provides a positive mindset.
The way we speak in moments of change and pressure shapes our mindsets. Using intentional language will shift and build your confidence. So be kind when you speak to yourself. Your mind is a powerful tool. Use it to manifest positive energy into your life!
