Recall

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Can you think of situations where you have berated yourself after an error in performance. E.g. 'That was such a dumb play. I'm such an idiot?'. What makes it even worse, is that your negative response to an error can linger on, and effect your preparation and execution of subsequent tasks.

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Obviously, a negative response is not ideal for a number of reasons, and it would be better to recall more positive self-talk (linked with enhanced motivation, confidence, focus, etc.). But sometimes it can be difficult to generate positive thoughts during these situations.

 

Be careful of your body language

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There is a well known Chinese proverb that goes something like:

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Be careful of your thoughts, for your thoughts become your words. Be careful of your words, for your words become your actions. Be careful of your actions, for your actions become your habits. Be careful of your habits, for your habits become your character. Be careful of your character, for your character becomes your destiny. 

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However, perhaps you could add 'Be careful of your body language, for your body language become your thoughts' to the beginning of the proverb, as research has shown that our posture influences our ability to think in a particular way.  For example, Wilson and Peper (2004) completed a study that showed a person's body language effects their ability to recall positive thoughts. 92% of participants (22 of 24) found it easier to recall positive thoughts when sitting in an upright position, compared to when in a slumped position.