21 Aug If you’re harder on yourself than you’d ever be on someone else, then you MUST read this!
by Dr Happy (aka Dr Tim Sharp)
Do you beat yourself up if you make a mistake? Are you harder on yourself than you’d ever be on anyone else? Do you think this helps you?!?!
…if yo answered YES to any or all of these questions then you’re not alone. I do this often and sadly, many of us do it too often.
Strangely, most of us think this is useful; because we were raised to believe that punishment helps us learn; and that self-criticism motivates us to do better.
But according to countless studies over the last few decades, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Rather, excessive self-criticism and negative self-talk just makes us depressed and takes away from our motivation and energy to persevere.
The good news, however, is that there’s a better way; and that better way is self-compassion. Self-compassion is NOT about letting ourselves off the hook or being easy on ourselves so we need not take responsibility for anything in our lives. In contrast, self-compassion is associated with better mood and better performance in every life domain.
So how do we practice self-compassion? It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3…
- Begin with mindfulness – be aware, without judgement, of your thoughts and feelings
- Accept that we’re all fallible and imperfect – in fact, meditate upon how it’s our imperfections that connect us all as humans
- And finally, be kind to yourself – treat yourself with the love and care and compassion you’d give to your best friend, partner, child or any loved one
…So that’s today’s mailing; from my regular and FREE eNewsletter. If you don’t yet receive it then SIGN UP HERE; if you do, and if you like it, share the happiness with family, friends and colleagues : )