How Self-Talk Shapes Your Brain: Australian Psychologist Explains the Power of Repeated Thoughts
Australian psychologist Millie Hardie has highlighted the profound impact self-talk can have on the brain, emphasizing that the way people speak to themselves can physically influence how their brains function. In a recent Instagram video shared on March 8, 2026, Hardie broke down the science behind this process, focusing on neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to change through repeated thoughts and behaviours.
The Role of Repetition in Shaping the Brain
Hardie explained that the human brain prioritizes familiarity over truth. “It believes what’s familiar. And what becomes familiar? What you repeat,” she said. This means that repeated thoughts, whether positive or negative, gradually become hardwired into the brain. Over time, these thought patterns influence emotions, shape behaviour, and even affect a person’s sense of identity.
She warned that negative self-talk is not harmless, as it actively trains the brain to respond in ways that reinforce self-criticism and doubt. “Say something often enough, with emotion, and your brain starts wiring around it. That’s why self-talk isn’t harmless. It’s powerful,” Hardie explained.
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A post shared by Millie | The Pocket Psychologist (@the.pocket.psychologist)
Harnessing Neuroplasticity Positively
Hardie also discussed how neuroplasticity can be used to one’s advantage. Because the brain does not always clearly distinguish between real experiences and imagined ones, visualization can be a powerful tool. “Visualizing the calm, confident, capable version of you? That’s not fluff. It’s a rehearsal,” she said, encouraging people to mentally practice positive outcomes to reshape mental patterns.
Learning to Step Back from Thoughts
Another key point Hardie emphasized is the importance of observing thoughts without automatically reacting to them. “You don’t own your thoughts. They visit. You don’t have to believe all of them,” she said. By learning to step back from fleeting thoughts, individuals can gain better control over their mental and emotional responses.
Hardie concluded by underlining a simple yet powerful principle: “Change the input and you change the outcome.” In other words, cultivating positive self-talk and mental habits can directly influence emotional well-being, behaviour, and ultimately, the way a person experiences life.
This perspective reinforces the growing understanding in psychology that our inner dialogue is a key factor in mental health, and that deliberate, mindful self-talk can be a transformative tool.
