Negative self-talk, or the experience of your inner monologue being hyper-critical, can erode your confidence. And, usually, whatever you're worried about doesn't actually come to pass, says Judy Ho, a neuropsychologist and professor at Pepperdine University. In her recent TED Talk, Ho describes how negative self-talk can undermine your goals. "Sometimes we think that negative self-talk helps us to be motivated," Ho told CNBC Make It. To defeat the cycle of negative self-talk, you have to be mindful of what triggers your pessimism and how to distance yourself from anxiety-driven thoughts.

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Persons: doesn't, Judy Ho, Ho, Judy Ho neuropsychologist Organizations: Pepperdine University, Penn State University, CNBC