Psychologist Michelle Drapkin listens with a discerning ear to hear whether people are using “change talk” or “sustain talk.” The latter revolves around sustaining their current reality through complaining or focusing on the problem’s narrative rather than a solution, whereas “change talk” focuses on doing something new.
It’s an interesting distinction and way for you to monitor your self-talk as well as to listen for the differences in others. How many of the words you use rehash the situation and keep you stuck compared to the language of improving your current condition? Does venting or posting on social media make you feel as if you are doing something when in reality all that is being achieved is “sustain talk”?
It is in your control how you frame a situation and your response to it. Intentionally choose your words to move yourself forward.
