Next, the conversation with yourself is where identity gets rehearsed: “I’m the kind of person who…” Over time, those repeated lines harden into assumptions—capable or incapable, resilient or fragile. Psychologist Albert Bandura’s work on self-efficacy (1977) shows that beliefs about one’s ability strongly shape motivation and performance, which aligns with Goggins’ insistence that mindset is a decisive battleground.
Seen this way, self-talk is not just motivational language; it’s identity maintenance. If your inner narrative constantly disqualifies you, your behavior will quietly cooperate with that verdict. [...]
