Why are we so hard on ourselves? This week, Janine and Shannon discuss self-compassion and treating ourselves as nicely as we treat our besties.
Discussion topics include:
- The folly of harping on your past mistakes in an attempt to avoid those mistakes again
- How constantly reminding yourself of your mistakes makes it hard to do the thing you’re trying to do
- A technique for letting go of past mistakes
- Acknowledging a past struggle before asking yourself to do the thing again
- Shannon’s Boring Change technique that helps you understand the deeper need behind your behaviors (and can help you modify your behavior)
- Understanding when you’re struggling and being kind to yourself
- Channeling your own BFF and thinking about what they’d say to you
- Ask yourself, “What would I say to a friend with this challenge?”
- Recognizing that you’re not the only person struggling with something
- Nobody is flawless!
- Setting realistic expectations so you don’t beat yourself up
- How it’s helpful to put a positive spin on things
- An important reminder: How you choose to perceive things makes a big difference in how you experience them because it has a bearing on what you notice
- The value of a gratitude journal to help you look for the good things in your life
- A recipe for being your own BFF: Acknowledge the issues, looking for the good, and let the feelings that the good inspire in you help you move forward
Links:
- Shannon’s Boring Change audio and workbook
- A lovely illustration: Three Steps For Self Compassion Illustrated
- Some simple guidance on keeping a gratitude journal
