Talk to Yourself: The Power of Inner Dialogue

I often remind people how powerful talking to yourself can be. Not in a strange, overthinking kind of way—but as a form of self-awareness, self-guidance, and emotional release. It’s a habit that helped me through some of the most unpredictable phases of my life, and I believe it can make a real difference for anyone.

Back in Dehradun, during my undergraduate years 2016, I was that person people came to for advice, support, or just someone to listen to. Hostel life in India during college is a different world altogether. If you’ve lived it, you know exactly what I mean—your room becomes more of a storage unit while life happens in the corridors, rooftops, canteens, and chai shops. You're everywhere but not in your room! It was chaotic, spontaneous, and somehow beautiful.

One such moment from that time still sticks with me. It was the night before an exam—a classic one-night battle we all know too well. A Bhai (I always found “bro” too fancy for that vibe), approached me, visibly panicked.

“Bhaiya, I haven’t prepared anything for the exam. What should I do?”

“Sometimes, it’s okay. Even if you haven’t studied, just trust yourself. Believe that what you’ve experienced, what you’ve absorbed, will guide you—consciously or subconsciously. Don’t stress with all the ‘ifs’ and ‘buts.’ Just be positive and, most importantly, talk to yourself. Tell yourself you’ve got this.”

He nodded and left. Maybe I sounded convincing enough.

But later that day, he came back, frustrated.

“Bhaiya! I went all the way to the exam hall… and turned back from the door! I couldn’t do it. And the paper was so easy!”

That hit me hard. Not because he didn’t write the paper—but because fear stopped him. He had the ability, the will—but not the belief.

I’ve shared this story countless times since then. Because it's not just about exams—it's about life.

There will be days when everything feels overwhelming. Plans collapse, people disappoint, and life takes turns you didn’t sign up for. It’s frustrating. You question your decisions, your path, and sometimes even your worth.

But that’s when it matters the most to pause—and talk to yourself. Not to criticize, but to comfort. Not to overthink, but to realign.

Self-talk isn’t just a motivational hack; it’s a survival tool. It anchors you. It’s that private conversation where you can be honest, kind, and brave—without any judgment.

Remind yourself:

• “It’s okay to feel low today.”

• “I’ve handled worse.”

• “I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become.”

• “This too shall pass.”
  

Your words to yourself are far more powerful than anything the world says. You can be your own coach, healer, and motivator—if you choose to listen.

So today, I’m passing on what I used to say in those hostel corridors in Dehradun:

Talk to yourself. Kindly. Consistently. Consciously.

Because you’ve got more strength in you than you think.

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Author’s Note:
Thank you for reading. This blog comes from a personal space—shaped by hostel corridors, chai-fueled conversations, and the countless lessons life teaches outside classrooms. If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt or felt overwhelmed, I hope this piece reminded you that your inner voice matters. Speak to yourself kindly—you’re listening.

I'd love to hear your stories too. Feel free to drop a comment or connect with me.

- Sushant Bhatta