Thinking “I can do better” really can help improve performance, new research finds.
Self-talk like this increases the intensity of effort people make and even makes them feel happier as well.
The study compared the motivational power of self-talk, such as “I will do better” with imagery and if-then planning.
Imagery involved imagining doing better and if-then planning is making a plan to act in a certain way.
All three techniques improved performance, but self-talk was consistently the most powerful.
The researchers tested the three techniques in four different ways: to help improve the process, outcome, arousal-control and instruction.
For example, an outcome goal looks like this: “I will try to place first.”
While a process goal looks like this: “I can try to react quicker.”
Meanwhile, an instructional goal could be: “I will focus on the ball.”
The results showed that the greatest improvements in performance were seen for self-talk when focusing on the process and outcome.
Imagery also did well when focusing on process and outcome.
The study’s author explain:
“…imagery and self-talk focused on motivational outcome and process were associated with faster performance, higher arousal, and greater effort, than participants in the control group. Self-talk process and outcome were associated with significantly more intense pleasant emotions.”
Perhaps one of the reasons that self-talk is so effective is that people believe it is going to be effective.
To read the full article, click the link below.
Category(s):Other
Source material from PsyBlog
