Did you know that you can stop negative self-talk in its tracks with a simple gesture?

In “The Matrix,” Keanu Reeves’ character Neo finally “gets it.” He realizes that the world he thought was real is really a computer program. And he understands the implications.

He is in a virtual reality and no longer needs to dodge bullets. He simply stops them in their tracks.

In a climatic scene at the end of the movie, the virtual “agents” shoot at him. Neo merely extends his arm forward and raises his hand with the palm facing away from him in a gesture that says “Halt!”

The speeding bullets slow down and stop in front of him. He reaches out, holds one, drops it, and they all fall harmlessly in front of him.

Special effects aside, we can do the same thing with negative self-talk.

The next time you become aware of negative self-talk, strike the same pose as Neo when he stops the bullets. The negative self-talk will stop in its tracks just like the virtual bullets in “The Matrix.”

Why?

The body sets the tone for the mind. Use body language to stop negative self-talk in its tracks and the mind will respond with speed and power.

Here’s a simple technique I’ve taught that takes advantage of this natural connection between body and mind.

I’ve used it to help people interrupt destructive behaviors from all kinds of negative self-talk to eating the whole basket of chips in a Mexican restaurant!

Take a deep breath.

Elevate your gaze as if looking at an imaginary point just above a distant horizon.

Stand up and plant your feet firmly on the floor a bit wider than shoulder width. (I’ve noticed that standing tends make this posture more powerful.)

Call to mind some pesky negative self-talk that occurs to you all too often.

Extend your arm forward, and raise your hand with your palm facing away from you in a gesture that says “Halt!”

Hold this pose firmly and resolutely. Put a look on your face that means “Halt!”

As Neo stopped the virtual bullets, you will stop negative self-talk and watch it harmlessly drop away.

And the success you generate from this powerful technique won’t be virtual.

It will be real.

Tony Papajohn coaches excellence and specializes in money. If you are a real estate investor, financial trader, entrepreneur, or want money to treat you like its new best friend, check out Tony’s free e-courses at www.WelcomeMoreMoney.com