Internal Dialogue is Rarely Helpful

We all have an internal dialogue that can drive us to greater heights or all-time lows. It's called "the little voice in our heads."

All of us engage in self talk. It's what drives us through a tough run such as the Boiler-maker Road Race. Unfortunately, it also can be the reason we rationalize eating that extra treat sitting on the counter.

What most people don't realize is that we are in control of the little voice. How many of you have been kept awake by thoughts running through your minds? It's time to stop being our own worst enemies.

Many times this internal dialogue can turn negative, hurtful and outright mean. The scary part is this self talk can seriously affect one's confidence and body image.

Negative self talk can ruin dreams, hold you back and stop you in your tracks. It is a form of self sabotage, and we have all experienced it. The sad part is we do it to ourselves.

Digging in and discovering the reason behind our internal dialogues will allow us to find a deeper meaning, purpose and happiness in our lives. Harnessing the little voice makes it possible to transform your life.

Here are exercises that will help you stop being your own worst enemy:

Nip it in the bud. Anytime you begin any negative or hurtful self talk you must stop it immediately and replace it with a positive comment.

Keep your mind busy. Not enough people feed their brains. If you have trouble sleeping because your self talk is running wild, turn off the television and read a book.

Exercise the body and the mind will follow. A healthy body equals a healthy mind. You must exercise every day.

Start every morning and night with a ritual. Upon waking ask yourself these questions: What do I have to be thankful for? Who in my life am I thankful for? Who am I going to help today? What am I going to accomplish today?

Before bedtime ask yourself these questions: What did I accomplish today? Who did I help today? Who am I thankful for? What will I accomplish tomorrow?

Surround yourself with positivity. Rid your life of anyone and everyone who is negative. Misery loves company, and these people will only drag you down.

I believe we create stress in our lives. Our fight-or-flight system needs to be exercised so our brains create things for us to worry about.

Anxiety and mild forms of depression can be triggered by internal dialogue. The human brain is so powerful it can be tricked into harmful cycles by our negative self talk.

Think about your brain like a filing cabinet, when you start feeling a certain emotion, say anger, your mind will pull out the "I'm Angry" file and then you will act accordingly.

Just imagine if you trained your brain to replace the anger, stress, depression and sadness with the "Happiness" file.

Don't allow your inner dialogue to control you. Seize control of it and never let go. Choose to fill your mind with positive, healthy, helpful words and thoughts. You will be amazed at how different your life will be.