Self talk is a topic that we hear about from time to time but seldom stop to examine.  That little voice at the back of your mind can be positive and negative, but have you ever stopped to ask who’s voice it is that you perceive and exactly where it is coming from?  In most instances (being generic), the voice we hear is of an “influential other”, someone we looked up to or admired at some stage in the past and the voice will often appear to be coming from somewhere behind us.  It is important to recognise this voice or voices for their message, BUT, the messages are coming from your past and may not actually be relevant to where you are today.  You have moved on from those days, have much more experience and have your own messages to tell yourself.  You know your own voice, so change the voice you hear in your mind to your own in order to take ownership of your performance.