Negative self-talk is detrimental to your self-esteem. When you frequently think or say hurtful things like I always screw things up or I could never achieve that, you’re eventually going to believe them. And over time, these words can even become self-fulfilling prophecies, leaving you more disempowered. Positive self-talk, on the other hand—kind words such as I can learn from this or I am capable of whatever I put my mind to—fosters self-empowerment and love for who you are. In fact, research into athletic performance has shown that practicing more positive self-talk is an indicator of greater success in personal and professional pursuits. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get positive!