Why Do I Always Have Negative Self-Talk?

By Tony Silvio – Midas Mindset | Personal Development Perth

Have you ever finished a big day, only to hear that little voice inside saying, “You should have done better”?

You’re not alone.

Even the most capable, driven people find themselves replaying doubts on repeat — sometimes louder than the wins they’ve worked so hard for. But here’s the truth: negative self-talk isn’t proof that you’re weak. It’s proof that your brain has been wired to focus on survival over celebration.

Let’s explore why that voice shows up — and how to stop it from stealing your confidence.

Step 1: Understand the Brain’s Survival Bias

Your mind is designed to keep you safe, not happy. That means it scans for threats — including the possibility of failure.

Psychologist Dr. Rick Hanson calls this the “negativity bias.” It’s why one criticism can outweigh ten compliments.

Think of Oprah Winfrey. Early in her career, she was told she wasn’t fit for television. Those words could have crushed her. Instead, she reframed her inner dialogue and built one of the most successful careers of all time. She learned to notice the bias without becoming it.

Step 2: Catch the Critic in the Act

Self-talk matters most when you catch that inner critic in the moment.

Serena Williams has spoken openly about using affirmations mid-match to calm her nerves: “I am strong. I am capable.” She doesn’t wait for the match to be over — she interrupts the negative loop in real time.

The same applies to you. The key isn’t to shut the voice down, but to notice it and choose a different line.

Step 3: Reframe With Purpose

Tony Robbins often says, “Change your story, change your life.”

When negative self-talk says, “I can’t handle this,” flip it into, “I’m learning how to handle this.” It’s not blind positivity — it’s a purposeful reframe that trains your brain to see possibilities instead of problems.

Try keeping a simple list of “go-to phrases” you can use when doubt shows up. Over time, your brain will start reaching for those first instead of the critic.

Step 4: Turn Reflection Into Growth

After the moment has passed, self-talk can still play a role.

Journaling at the end of your day gives that inner voice a safe space to speak — and then be reshaped. Instead of, “I failed that presentation,” write, “I learnt what I’ll improve next time.”

Athletes, executives, and leaders alike use reflection as a way to turn negative loops into lessons.

Growth Is a Choice, Not a Chore

Negative self-talk will always knock on the door. But whether you let it move in is up to you.

You can let it drain your confidence…

Or you can use it as a signal to build a stronger mindset.

Remember: self talk matters because your words shape your world.

👉 Want tools to replace self-doubt with confidence? The Midas Mindset Blueprint shows you how to flip the script and create lasting change.

Tony Silvio | Midas Mindset – Growth You Can Handle

Because it’s not the doubt that defines you — it’s the way you respond to it.