Use Positive Words Instead of Negative Ones: How to Use Language to Strengthen Yourself

I am Madoka Usami, representative of Madoyaca.

I include sports mental training as one of my business services, and I provide guidance to people ranging from elementary school students to adults across the country, primarily in the sport of soft tennis.
I am also currently researching sports psychology as a graduate student to become a specialist in sports mental training.

In this article, I would like to talk about the general aspects of negative and positive words.

Words have power

What kind of words do you usually say to yourself?
Have you ever thought things like, "It's impossible anyway" or "I might fail again"?
Whether in sports, studies, or human relationships, "words" have a very significant impact on the mind.

I will explain the two types of words, "negative words" and "positive words," in detail while sharing tips on how to cultivate a positive mindset.

What are negative words? Words that bring your mood down

First, what kind of words are referred to as "negative words"?

For example, they are words like these:

• "Let's try not to fail."

• "I must not get nervous."

• "I must not make this kind of play."

All of these arewords that convey "what not to do."We tend to use them often, but in reality, these kinds of words canhave a negative impact on the brain and mind.

The trap of imagery created by negative words

The human brain is not good at accepting negative words as they are.

For example, if you are told "do not think of a pink elephant," doesn't a pink elephant pop into your head instead?
In the same way,when you think "try not to fail," the image of "failure" remains strongly in your mind.

In other words, the more you use negative words, the more you unconsciously visualize the very thing you want to avoid. That is what creates pressure and anxiety.

What are positive words? Words that create a positive image

"Positive words" are expressions that state exactly what you "want to do."

For example:

• Play carefully

• Approach the match calmly

• Serve in a relaxed manner

Words like these can send positive images to your brain. They help you maintain a positive mindset during play and allow you to approach things with confidence.

Using affirmative words increases concentration

In fact, research in sports psychology has shown that athletes who use affirmative words for mental imagery training experience increased concentration and improved performance.

Conversely, athletes who think positively, such as "I will do well" or "I will give it my all," are more likely to perform to their full potential during a real game than those who think, "I must not fail."

Affirmative words are also effective within a team

Sports are not something you do alone; you often cooperate with teammates. In such cases, you should also be mindful of the words used within the team.

For example:

• Why can't you do it?

• That's a mistake

Words like these hurt the other person's feelings and drain their motivation.

A single word of encouragement can change the team's atmosphere

Instead, try to be conscious of using words of encouragement like these:

• Nice challenge!

• You'll surely do better next time

• Let's go for it

With just one word, the team's atmosphere becomes much brighter. It makes it easier for everyone to perform at their best, and a positive momentum naturally emerges.

Practice methods for changing negative words into affirmative ones

So, how can you actually go about changing your words?
Here are three simple steps.

1. Identify negative words

First, it is important to become aware of the words you use on a daily basis. Observe the "inner voice" that comes up before a game, during practice, or while studying for a test.

"I might make a mistake again"
"I don't have confidence"
"I feel like it won't go well"

When words like these come up, they are "negative words."

2. Ask yourself, "What do I want to do?"

Once you notice a negative word, try thinking immediately about what you want to become. You will then find words like the following:

"I want to focus and give it my all"
"I want to play with confidence"
"I want to enjoy doing this"

These are all "positive words." They are words that help you visualize your future self.

3. Use positive words repeatedly

Finally, say these positive words to yourself over and over again. You can say them out loud, or writing them down in a notebook is also recommended.

By repeating them, these words will become ingrained in you. Eventually, you will naturally be able to act with a positive mindset.

Change your words, change your mind

Words can be a great catalyst for changing yourself.
Especially in high-stakes situations like sports, the words you say to yourself can sometimes determine the outcome.

• Avoid using negative words as much as possible

• Be conscious of using positive words

• Give positive encouragement to your teammates as well

Just by being conscious of this, your feelings will become much more stable, and you will be able to approach your play and studies with confidence.

Please try changing the words you use little by little starting today.
That is the first step toward strengthening your mind.

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Details on Madoka Usami's Mental Training

Online Salon "Mental Training Classroom"