Self-talk aids student success
by Laura Martinez, Reporter

   Certain words that people say to themselves can adversely affect them, the South Campus nurse told students earlier this month.
   Flo Stanton, South Campus health services coordinator, presented Positive Self-Talk, the second of her three-part seminar series for Women in New Roles.
   “Did you ever think that words such as I can’t, I should have, I must or I have to could really have that much affect on your personal attitude?” she asked.
   Stanton said this type of negative self-talk does have a straight effect on feelings and behavior.
   In order to reverse the negative conversations people have with themselves, Stanton said, they need to learn to use words known as uppers.
   “Positive thinking brings out positive behavior,” she said.
   In order for people to change these downers into uppers, Stanton suggested using phrases such as I can, I need, I wish and    It’s in my best interest in order to do things with a more positive attitude.
   “We can talk our way out of doing anything when we use negative self-talk, but when we use positive self-talk we are more likely to get things done more effectively,” she said.
   Mandy Mobbley, a 29-year-old student, said the seminar was helpful.
   “She [Stanton] made me more aware of the impact that the words I use toward myself and others really do have an impact on the way I do things and my attitudes toward others.”
   Kristy Session, 26, said the Women in New Roles lectures have been great.
   “They have given me techniques for self-help and taught me to set limits and goals in my life,” she said.
   Stanton wants to teach women to have a more positive attitude toward themselves.
   My goal is to promote constructive thinking and behavior by saying something positive,” she said.