Last weekend I had the great joy of going “golfing” with some of my favorite people (my in-laws (Michael & Cheron Lange) and their great kids).  I say “golfing” in quotes because this was the first time for my 7-year-old nephew and 3-year-old niece who had just gotten their first set of Target golf clubs.  We hit several buckets of balls at the driving range and also putted on the putting green.  We had a blast!

My nephew had brought along his 7 year old friend (who I’ll call Bob) who had “…played golf before, and I’m really good.”  Now you have to realize that I’m not really a golfer.  I’ve never had a lesson; I’d never go out with anyone but the most easygoing friends and family.  AND I do have a good time.

So, we’re at the driving range hitting balls with Bob located in the spot behind me.  He gave me a non-stop commentary on my driving skills.
“That was a bad hit.”
“Wow!  You missed it.”
“That was a good one.”
“That was a BIG slice.”

What was most amazing was that Bob was almost an exact echo of the critical voice in my own head!  His words really brought that voice out so that I noticed not only how I was talking to myself, but more importantly what I really heard – the negative comments.  Do you notice how you talk to yourself?  Are you encouraging yourself, or do you spend more time noting what’s not going right?  Which "voice" do you really hear more clearly?

Personally, I'll admit that this is an area that I have to constantly keep working on – paying attention to how I talk to myself.  One thing I do that makes a huge difference is to list 5 (or more) positive things about a situation, or about the day.  So, as an example, instead of thinking/hearing, “boy, the economy is slow and I’m worried about my business, I’m getting desperate” to yourself.  Think, what 5 things did I do well to improve my business today?”  You might answer, 1) I provided excellent customer service to the clients I have, 2) I called on 4 potential clients and continued to build a trust relationship, 3) I continued my education so I can offer more options to my clients, 4) I took the time to talk with my mentors and friends that support me, 5) I stayed in action and focused on marketing my business and myself.  Taking the moment to look at the more positive aspect helps me reset myself and energize myself to keep moving forward.

So, no matter what your voice says to you today, what are you going to choose to hear?  I encourage you to go for the BEST!


Teresa Lindquist is the coach that cares.  Check out her website at www.ClearSolutionsCoaching.com