5 Ways to Overcome Your Negative Self-Talk

Last Updated on March 18, 2025 by Stacy Averette

Are you often critical about your appearance, spending habits, abilities, work life, parenting, eating/exercise habits, spiritual life (or something else I didn’t mention)? If you said “YES,” I understand! Your negative self-talk hurts you more than you know, but you can overcome it!

There’s a steady stream of thoughts running through our minds all the time. Some of the thoughts are true and helpful. Others are hurtful or downright lies.

In defense of our mind, the goal is to keep us safe, to protect us from discomfort, pain, serious injury, and even disappointment. “Oh, you shouldn’t do that!” is a great warning if you want to throat-punch your boss. You need to heed the warning unless you want to get fired and go to jail.

But the problem comes when we accept everything our mind says as “gospel truth.” When we do that, we often stay where we are (usually in a nice, cozy, risk-free comfort zone). and miss out on a life filled with joy, peace, and purpose.

However, most people I talk to want to experience an abundant life and live with joy, peace, and purpose. If this sounds like you, keep reading!

My Negative Self-Talk

One of the things my mind has been telling me lately is: “You’re too old.”

You see, I have big goals, things I want to accomplish, places I want to see, and other books I want to write. But as soon as I set a goal, my mind springs into action: “Oh No! You can’t do that. You’re too old.”

And you know what’s sad? Sometimes, I listen to and believe the negative self-talk without ever fact-checking the information.

Moses, a hero of faith, dealt with the same problem. When God told him, “I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt,” his response revealed his negative self-talk.

Let’s examine God’s Word for what we can learn about the destructive effects of negative self-talk and how to overcome it.

Cultivate a Biblical Self-Image

Are your thoughts in agreement with God’s thoughts about you? What’s true about you according to the Bible? I could give you a long list, but today, I’ll share two foundational biblical truths to help you overcome negative self-talk.

1. You Matter

You were created by God on purpose with a purpose. Your life is not an accident or a coincidence. You were not born at the wrong time to the wrong people in the wrong place. All the things that matter to you matter to God!

Moses felt insignificant and ill-equipped, just like you and I do at times. He said, “Who am I that I should go . . . ?”

He even supported his negative self-talk with “evidence.” Our minds love to be right, so whether we’re thinking negatively or positively, we’ll find corroborating evidence.

Friend, your negative self-talk isn’t serving you. It keeps you anxious and stuck in the wilderness when God invites you to walk with Him and see miracles.

Moses objected, and God responded, “I will be with you.” (Exodus 3:12)

You matter to God, and you are not alone. Whatever your season of life and circumstances, God is with you!

The character of God is greater than any challenging circumstance or situation our mind can imagine.

2. You’re Equipped

God created you with a particular set of gifts, talents, and abilities that He intends to use to accomplish His plan. Your circumstances are not a surprise to God. He equipped you “for such a time as this”.

Moses felt insecure and inadequate as God’s spokesperson. “I’m not good with words,” he protested. His insecurity revealed his fear and lack of faith in God.

God’s invitation to Moses, you, and me is an invitation to trust Him. The task before us is not too hard because our all-knowing Creator equips us.

Moses thought he needed eloquent speech when all he needed was faith.

“Who makes a person’s mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say.” Exodus 4:11-12

When Moses reminded God of who he wasn’t and what he couldn’t do, God reminded Moses of Who He is and what He WILL do!

A Grand Adventure with God

Ultimately, Moses replaced his negative self-talk with the life-changing Truth of God. The rest of the story is found in Exodus, which records the epic drama and reminds us of God’s faithfulness to rescue and redeem. The beautiful story is repeated again and again throughout the Old Testament.

What a grand adventure with God!

What thoughts are you choosing to believe without question? What’s keeping you stuck? What old beliefs are causing you to stick to your comfort zone, play it safe, and miss out on a God-sized adventure?

I have my list, and I’ll bet you do, too. The old beliefs pop up when I set a goal, think of changing course, or consider trying something new. Here’s what you can do to challenge your thoughts:

5 Ways to Overcome Your Negative Self-Talk

1. Pay attention to what your mind is telling you. What is the “play it safe,” scared version of you saying?

2. Write it down. Be very specific about the belief—the thought you’re thinking—and write it down in your journal or notebook.

3. Talk to God about it. Do what Moses did and be vulnerable and honest with God about your fears. Friend, God already knows! He knows your thoughts before you do. But He wants to know that you know that He knows. Let’s read that again. Prayer is our way of letting God know that we know that He knows. We don’t inform God when we pray. He already knows EVERYTHING. But oh the magic that happens when we go to him with our needs, fears, insecurities, and questions. HE LOVES when we do that! He loves when we understand and embrace our dependence on Him and His love and care for us.

4. Get in the Word. The Bible is God’s primary way of speaking to us. We have a guidebook for life, full of precepts and principles that tell us how to think, feel, and act. As you read it, the Holy Spirit will reveal a word that applies to your question or situation. You may also hear a sermon, a song, or a word from a friend that will affirm and support what the Holy Spirit has already impressed upon you in the Word of God.

5. Write down what His Word says to you. Go back to where you wrote the lie you believed in and record what you now know to be the truth regarding your belief. Replace your old belief with the Truth of God.

The negative thought “You’re too old” isn’t serving me. As I read God’s word and listen to the Spirit, I’m reminded that my age has no bearing on who God is. My chronological age does not limit him. Moses was 80 when God called him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, and He knew it would take 40 years to get them to the Promised Land. (Good thing Moses didn’t have a crystal ball!) God knew the future. He had a plan, and nothing could get in the way of it, not even a bunch of grumbling, whining Israelites!

I’ve replaced my old belief, “I’m too old,”  with what is true. I have a stack of 3×5 cards that I read each morning. Each card contains a truth specific to a negative thought I’m trying to overcome. Here’s an example:

“I am 59. I am gifted, full of purpose, and God is with me.”

The fact is, I am 59. Some see 59 as old, and some see it as young. It all depends on your perspective, but God’s perspective is the only perspective that matters. I am gifted and full of purpose, not because of anything I’ve done but because of who God is. As His creation, you are talented and full of purpose, too, and it’s not arrogant to name and claim who you are in Christ. Honestly, it’s a lack of faith and an insult to our Creator to do otherwise.

Are your thoughts causing you to miss learning more about God, yourself, and how He wants to work in and through you? If you never challenge your thoughts, then you may never know the full extent of the abundant life Jesus mentions in John 10:10.

Friend, if you want to change your life but feel stuck and can’t seem to get any traction, or you keep breaking your promises to yourself, or you’re afraid to step out and go for it because of past failures, I’d love to help. Hit reply below or send me an email.

If you enjoyed this post, you might like this post: Are You Lying To Yourself?