“We lie loudest when we lie to ourselves.” (Eric Hoffer)

Self-talk is not optional. You and I have a constant conversation going on in our heads at all times. For a window into it, go see the brilliant Pixar film “Inside Out”.

What’s most difficult, and yet most important, is the task of accurately observing our internal conversations, and then accurately discerning the truth from the lies.

Here’s rule #1: If your self-talk has words like always, ever, or never—it’s a lie. Nothing is ever always anything.

Here’s another: If your self-talk has you calling yourself or others nasty names like stupid, or perfect, or totally incompetent—see rule #1.