Did you know that many successful people talk to themselves? It used to be said that talking to yourself was a sign of mental or emotional instability. Now we know that it is the content of the conversation that reveals one’s state of mind. Audible learners and verbal organizers may find that talking to themselves keeps them focused and on track. With the audible reinforcement, talking to yourself may also make it easier to remember things. Weightlifters and workout enthusiasts often count their sets aloud. Cooks, chemists, and mixologists will sometimes count their measurements aloud to minimize mistakes.
Sometimes with all the information bombarding our senses everyday it is difficult to hear ourselves think. If you have difficulty focusing, thinking out loud may help you to hear your thoughts a little better above the fray. When trying to plan, organize, or make decisions, try using the notes or memo app on your cell phone. Click on the microphone and record your thoughts, plans, or lists, you may find that in playing them back you have a better understanding of your thoughts and better focus for moving forward.
If you are still squeamish about others seeing you talking to yourself, simply put in your headphones and have a good conversation with yourself, and no one will know that you are the person on the other end of the line. You can even take notes while talking to yourself. Talking aloud may also be an effective way to talk to God, take notes, and plan at the same time. The tools of discipline we use to successfully reach our goals must be uniquely honed to suit us individually, and this particular tool may have no benefit for you, but hopefully, it will help you identify your own tools, and help you become disciplined for your success.