The words we choose have the potential to shape who we become over time. This is true in both our outlook on life ("Get to" vs "Got to") and our potential going forward ("I can't…yet"). As physical therapists and physical therapist assistants looking to offer wellness services to clients, helping them examine and shape their self-talk can move the dial in positive ways.

What's self-talk? Here's how it's described in a review of the literature:

(a) verbalizations or statements addressed to the self; (b) multidimensional in nature; (c) having interpretive elements associated with the content of statements employed; (d) somewhat dynamic; and (e) serving at least two functions; instructional and motivational.