From Shad Helmstetter's "What to Say When You Talk to Your Self," explores the profound impact of self-talk and external programming on human behavior and success. Helmstetter argues that individuals are largely a product of the positive and negative messages they receive throughout life, comparing the brain to a personal computerthat stores and acts upon these "programs." He highlights the limitations of external motivation and conventional positive thinking, asserting that true and lasting change comes from internal motivation and consciously replacing negative "self-talk" with carefully chosen positive affirmations. The author emphasizes personal responsibility in directing one's own thoughts and actions, offering practical techniques and examples of situational self-talk to improve attitudes, solve problems, and achieve goals in various aspects of life.