Be alert with self-talk

A new study suggests that instructional self-talk can enhance our attention, helps us regulate our effort and make decisions about what to do and how to do it, especially when learning something new.

A new study suggests that instructional self-talk can enhance our attention, helps us regulate our effort and make decisions about what to do and how to do it, especially when learning something new.

While the more positive among us may have motivational mantras running through our heads when trying to accomplish a goal, even better is instructional self-talk. American magazine Time reports that instructional self-talk also allows us to control our cognitive and emotional reactions, steadying us so we stay on task.