An inner dialogue can either be a powerful stepping stone or a major obstacle to reaching goals, Human Resources advises.

A message sent Monday to UWindsor faculty and staff shares tips to overcome toxic self-criticism:

• Change the channel. The best way to stop destructive ruminating is to find an activity that will temporarily distract you from negative thoughts: go for a walk, call a friend to talk about a different subject, or tackle a project you’ve been putting off.
• Examine the evidence. If you think that you are going to fail, write down the reasons why you think you will fail, as well as why you might not. This can help you look at the situation more rationally, boosting your confidence.
• Consider how bad it would be if your thoughts were true. Often, the worst-case scenario isn’t as bad as we fear. Reflecting on this can help you decrease much of the dread and worrisome thoughts that can stand in your way.
• Ask yourself what advice you’d give to a friend. When you’re struggling with tough times or doubting your ability to succeed, ask yourself: “What would I say to a friend who had this problem?” Then offer yourself those kind, wise words.
• Balance self-improvement with self-acceptance. Change your “I am not good enough” narrative to “there's room for improvement.” Accept your weaknesses while committing to improving in the future.

Read the entire Wellness Tip of the Week.