Table of contents:
- It's okay to criticize yourself, but don't overdo it
- How to break the habit of self-criticism
- 1. Meditation
- 2. Love yourself
- 3. Write down all the things to be grateful for
Self sometimes becomes the enemy in the blanket that we never realize. Instead of motivating and burning spirits in difficult times, what rings in our head is the "devil's whisper" to criticize and even humiliate oneself. Stop the echo of terror with five quick steps below.
It's okay to criticize yourself, but don't overdo it
Criticism is good if the goal is to build and improve. But unfortunately, criticism that comes from within is sometimes aimed at badmouthing oneself. Even when you do succeed at something, those promptings always find an opening for self-criticism.
These voices will always remind you of all the bad things that can happen as well as what you are lacking. But instead of being motivated, you are getting more and more down and is always overcome by the fear of failure.
If allowed this can damage you mentally. You will not be able to be a person who is confident, loves yourself, and appreciates all the hard work that has been done so far. When criticism continues to bother you, it can eventually lead to depression and is used to attack and destroy other people.
How to break the habit of self-criticism
To break the habit of self-criticism, here are a variety of ways you can try:
1. Meditation
Meditation is an effective way to stop self-critical tendencies. Practice meditation primarily mindfulness helping to recognize these negative voices is limited to thoughts, not facts. So instead of believing in it, you just acknowledge it and return your attention to the sound of your breath during meditation.
It's not easy to do meditation mindfulness this. Therefore, you need to be diligent in practicing it. Remember, proper meditation is what makes you focus on breathing exercises, which is being aware of when to inhale, hold and exhale. Meditation is not emptying the mind but focusing on something.
2. Love yourself
It's not just other people who need to be loved, yourself too. Now imagine when your friend confided in her failure, what would you tell her?
As a good friend, of course you will encourage him not to be sad and drag on, right? If you can encourage your friend, you can do the same for yourself. Don't let yourself sink into a sea of harsh criticism, which may not really be necessary.
Shift your focus on trying to empathize and make peace with yourself. Keep in mind all the efforts you have put in. Then tell yourself that failure is normal and doesn't mean you are stupid or incompetent.
3. Write down all the things to be grateful for
When you were in school, have you ever kept a diary? If so, try starting the habit again now. However, focus on the positive and happy things that you experience each day.
Start by writing down three things for which you are grateful. Then, do this every day. It doesn't have to be big events that you record, but just start with simple things.
For example, note gratitude when you can take a good nap or be grateful when a friend remembers your birthday without being told by Facebook.
Writing them down directly in a book or in the notes feature of a cellphone can both help control overly self-critical thoughts.
Whichever method you use, the key is to be consistent. Do this every day so that you get used to appreciating and cherishing yourself.
