The Power of My Thoughts – Positive Self-Talk & Mindset

Why Are Our Thoughts So Powerful?

Have you ever noticed how the way you talk to yourself can change your whole mood? That little voice in your head—your self-talk—can either lift you up or bring you down. This week, we’re diving into how your thoughts shape your feelings, actions, and even your success at school and beyond.

What Is Self-Talk?

Self-talk is what you say to yourself in your mind. It can be positive (“I can do this!”) or negative (“I always mess up”). Everyone has self-talk, and learning to notice and change it is a powerful skill for life.

Why Does Positive Self-Talk Matter?

• Boosts your confidence: You’re more likely to try new things and believe in yourself.

• Helps you manage emotions: Positive self-talk can calm you down when you’re stressed or upset.

• Builds resilience: You bounce back faster after setbacks.

Challenging Negative Thoughts

Negative thoughts happen to everyone. The trick is to notice them and challenge them. For example:

• Negative thought: “I’m terrible at maths.”

• Challenge: “Is that really true? Or did I just find today’s lesson hard?”

• Reframe: “I found today’s maths lesson tough, but I can improve if I keep practicing.”

The "Thought Bubbles" Exercise

Imagine your thoughts as bubbles floating above your head. Some are helpful, some are not. In this exercise, you’ll:

1. Write down a negative thought in a bubble.

2. Pop that bubble by writing a more positive or realistic thought next to it.

Example:

• Bubble: “Nobody likes me.”

• Pop: “I have friends who care about me, even if I feel alone sometimes.”

Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset

Growth mindset means believing you can get better at things with effort and practice.Fixed mindset is thinking your abilities are set in stone—you’re either good at something, or you’re not.

• Fixed Mindset: “I can’t do it.”

• Growth Mindset: “I can’t do it yet.”

Why Does Growth Mindset Work?

Research by psychologist Carol Dweck shows that students with a growth mindset are more likely to:

• Keep trying after setbacks

• Enjoy learning new things

• Achieve more in school and life

Confidence Cards: Your Personal Affirmations

An affirmation is a positive statement about yourself. Create your own “Confidence Cards” with phrases like:

• “I am capable of learning new things.”

• “Mistakes help me grow.”

• “I am proud of my effort.”

Keep these cards in your bag or on your desk for a quick boost when you need it!

Practice: Reframing Common Negative Thoughts

Here are some examples to help you practice:

Negative Thought	Reframed Thought
“I always fail.”	“I can learn from my mistakes.”
“This is too hard.”	“I can ask for help and keep trying.”
“I’m not as smart as them.”	“Everyone learns at their own pace.”

Why This Matters for PSHE

Learning about self-talk and mindset is essential for:

• Mental well-being: You feel better about yourself.

• Resilience: You can handle life’s ups and downs.

• Managing emotions: You stay calm and positive, even when things are tough.

Final Thoughts

The way you think about yourself shapes your whole life. With practice, you can train your mind to be your biggest supporter instead of your harshest critic. Start small, keep practicing, and remember: You have the power to change your thoughts—and your future!

Try these activities this week and notice how your mood, confidence, and motivation can grow!