Masterful Mindsets ~ Self-Help Begins with Self-Compassion
Question:
How hard are you on yourself? Are you hyper critical of all you do, beating yourself up for all your imperfections? Do you believe you never do enough or that you aren’t enough? Do you judge yourself based on other people’s standards?
Action Challenge:
A couple weeks ago I challenged you to be patient with yourself. Then last week I talked about nurturing relationships, including the relationship you have with yourself. So this week, I want to add to that thought by talking about not being so hard on yourself. It’s time to stop beating yourself up for not being enough.
Now don’t get me wrong, if you are someone that knows you need to make a change in your life, I encourage you to do that. And if you know that you often make excuses instead of stepping up your game, then I’m not saying it’s okay to continue to make those excuses. But too often, instead of loving and encouraging oneself in a positive, productive way, people easily slip into the habit of beating themselves up. And feeding the monster that says “you are not good enough”. Likewise, I know I’m talking to a lot of high achievers here, which means it’s quite possible that sometimes you push past being a high achiever into being an overachiever. And that’s when you can become hyper critical of yourselves and that feeling of never being enough, overshadows every success you have. So you continue to push to be more instead of giving yourself any credit for the incredible person you are. Either scenario sound familiar?
You’re not alone. And it’s no wonder you feel this way. Our society is constantly pushing us to be more. To be stronger, smarter, prettier, more successful, more organized and put together, bigger and better than everyone else. However, I can guarantee you, that if you expect to be perfect, you will never be enough. But if you start having compassion for yourself and celebrating the person you are, you will always be enough.
My challenge to you, is to be compassionate towards yourself. Embrace the person you are, flaws and all. And be patient with yourself as you nurture the person you are becoming.
Special Tip: Start a Success Journal – Write something you feel you’ve succeeded at every day, no matter how big or small.
Give yourself permission to make mistakes, to not be perfect, and celebrate the person you are, because you are enough.
Simply put from today’s quote author, “Back yourself more, doubt yourself less and get off your own back.”
***I want to hear from you… Share your comments below.