5 Steps To Tame Your Inner Critic Today
What do you do when you fail or are having a difficult time with something or don’t like something about yourself?
Chances are like most people you criticize yourself and chastise yourself for not being able to do better or you force yourself to try harder to change and be someone else that you might like in the future.
If I were to guess you then probably feel down about yourself and think that you’re not good enough.
Your body might tense up and you feel on edge.
Sometimes the things we say to ourselves we would never dream of saying to anyone else in a time of distress.
When you’re in this state how likely is it that you’re going to “do better”?
We often feel that we need self-criticism and stress to motivate?
However, self-criticism creates separation and isolation, we think we are different to others, not as good as them. These feelings can lead to depression and anxiety, which are hardly states that are likely to motivate you.
Her research has found that practicing self-compassion has numerous mental health benefits such as lowered anxiety, depression and stress. It also adds to positive states such as life satisfaction, motivation, being able to take greater responsibility and better interpersonal relationships.
So here’s an exercise to try:
The next time you feel inadequate and are faced with your short comings, instead of judging and criticizing yourself, offer yourself kindness and understanding.
As Kristin Neff suggests, say to yourself: “This is really difficult right now, how can I comfort and care for myself in this moment?”
I would love to hear from you, so please let me know how it goes in the comments below.
Take care and keep living a life of joy NOW,
