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The Verywell Mind Podcast

75 - Friday Fix: Why You Should Talk to Yourself in Third Person

May 21, 2021
NBA all-star Lebron James showcases benefits of talking to oneself in third person. Research suggests it enhances mental strength, emotional regulation, and decision-making skills. Learn why adapting this mindset might lead to a happier and more mindful life.
08:36

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Quick takeaways

  • Talking to yourself in the third person can enhance decision-making processes by gaining psychological distance and balancing logic and emotion.
  • Using third person language in self-talk helps regulate emotions, improve self-control, and lead to better decision outcomes in various situations.

Deep dives

Using Third-Person Self-Talk for Better Decision-Making

Talking to oneself in the third person can be a powerful method to enhance decision-making processes. By gaining psychological distance through referring to oneself in the third person, individuals can better balance logic and emotion. Research has shown that this distanced self-talk helps regulate emotions, improve self-control, and lead to better decision outcomes. For example, when individuals perceive a problem as a challenge rather than a threat by using third person language, they experience less distress and can manage their thoughts, feelings, and behavior effectively.

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