It is difficult to learn how to stop saying everything you think. I know because this is something that I have had to work toward overcoming in my own life. While you never really completely conquer this if your true personality is to be an honest, open and somewhat blunt person, you can learn to do better. There are some different ways how to stop saying everything you think.
1. Realize Your Thoughts Are Personal
One of the best ways how to stop saying everything you think is realize that your thoughts are personal. They belong to you and you alone. Not everyone gets the privilege of knowing them. You decide what you get to share with others. When you change your thought line and realize that you can make your thoughts something valuable that you only share with a select few, it helps a lot.
2. Practice Thinking before You Speak
Some of us are born with the distinct ability to speak before we even think. This is not a good thing. I have been in this position more times than I care to count. But with experience, I have learned to think before I speak, at least most of the time. You are much less likely to get yourself in tricky situations if you train yourself to think before you speak.
3. Place a Few Reminders around Wherever You Are
Sometimes visual reminders are the key to forming new habits. This always helps me. Place a few reminders around the areas you are most in. Quotes on what to say and how to say things are great choices. I always like the one that says if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.
4. Think about How It Would Make You Feel
It is always wise to think about how something would make you feel if someone said it to you. Sometimes we accidentally say something that hurts someone’s feelings. Then they feel bad, and we feel bad that we said it. Try to screen your thoughts as to how it would feel to have a comment said to you. This can keep you out of a lot of trouble.
5. Speak Slowly
If you speak fast, you more than likely are saying a lot of things before you think them through. I know that this has happened to me. But, personally, if I slow down how fast I speak, I tend to think things through a little more carefully. It does take a while to implement a lot of these changes but they can help. Another tip is tailor this and the other tips to your personality. Use whichever of these tips best suit you.
6. Pride Yourself on Being Polite
I appreciate politeness in others. It is something that I always notice. Therefore, since it is a value that I appreciate it others, I decided I wanted to work on becoming more polite myself. As you work on this, it comes easier and easier until it is routine for you. After a while, you will begin to feel really good about this trait and take pride in it.
7. Leave the Situation
Sometimes you are just in a situation where it is very difficult to keep your mouth shut. I have been there. When you know you are facing a situation or people that tempt you to speak without thinking, it is best to just remove yourself. This saves a lot of trouble for all concerned, most of all, for you. You do not want to deal with regret over what you speak.
Breaking the habit of saying everything you think is very difficult but it can be done. Have you struggled with this in your life? What helped you overcome it?
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why do I say everything I think?
- You might say everything you think because you're just being honest and open. It's great to be yourself, but sometimes it can get you in trouble. Sometimes it's about recognizing that not every thought needs to be said out loud.
- How can I stop saying what I think all the time?
- One tip that really helps is to pause and think before you speak. It sounds simple but giving yourself a moment can help you decide if what you're about to say is necessary or helpful. It's like giving your brain a quick check-up!
- Why do I find it hard to control what I say?
- It could be a habit or maybe you're just really passionate about sharing your thoughts. Sometimes, it's also about not having that inner filter. Practicing mindfulness and being more aware of your speech can make a big difference.
- How can I control my urge to always speak my mind?
- Think of it like a muscle you need to train. Start small by attempting to hold back on certain comments and see how it feels. Over time, it becomes easier. Also, try to listen more; sometimes just being a good listener is as powerful as speaking your mind.
- Is saying everything I think really that bad?
- Not always! Sometimes it's refreshing and people appreciate your honesty. But it can be problematic if your words hurt others or cause misunderstandings. It's all about finding that balance between being true to yourself and being considerate.