Are You Your Own Worst Critic? Journey from Self-Doubt to Self-Celebration.
You see, there was a phase in my life where I was my own favourite boxing equipment. Yes, you heard it right! No matter what the situation, I'd always end up blaming myself. And trust me, I went all twelve rounds with myself, every single time. Always in attack toward myself, never in defence.
But, as I wrote in that piece and like many others out there, I've evolved. So, if you've ever felt like you're too hard on yourself, if you've ever been your own punching bag, keep reading. This one's for you. Because I believe you deserve to be loved, especially. by. yourself,
The "Why" Behind Self-Punishment
Now, why do we do this to ourselves? What's the kick? Is it the thrill of the fight? Well, not really. This tendency usually stems from our younger years. Maybe you grew up in an environment with high expectations. Even if everything was pretty okay during your childhood, there could've been this invisible pressure, making you feel like you're never quite 'there'. Like you're never good enough.
But here's the thing - as Marcus Aurelius would say, βThe universe is change; our life is what our thoughts make it.β Your thoughts from the past don't define you. You're not bound by them. And the first step to change is acknowledging that. What happened in past, is already past.
A Closer Look: Punches in Disguise
Sometimes, these self-punishments aren't direct. Maybe you're not verbally hard on yourself. Instead, perhaps you're skipping meals without realizing it's a form of punishment. Or maybe you're avoiding something you love because you feel you 'don't deserve it'. These are all subtle forms of self-punishment. Tony Robbins often says, "Where focus goes, energy flows." If you're focusing on these negative patterns, that's where your energy is headed. Do you really want to focus and by this bring more negativity in your life?
A Spoonful of Rad-vice!
The "Even If" Power Play
Whenever you find yourself saying, "I'm not good enough because of XYZ," switch it up! Say, "I am good enough, even if XYZ." This simple switch can make you see things from a completely different perspective.
The Self-Love Alarm
Set random alarms throughout the day. Whenever they go off, pause for a minute and think of one thing you appreciate about yourself. It could be as simple as how you smiled at someone or how you managed a task. Celebrate the small wins, and soon, they'll pile up!
Exercise Time: "Mirror, Mirror On The Wall!"
Alright, here's a simple, yet powerful exercise for you. Every morning, as you're brushing your teeth or getting ready, look at yourself in the mirror. Seriously, look deep into those beautiful eyes of yours. Say out loud, "I choose to love and accept myself today." It might feel weird at first, but over time, you'll start believing it. Because every day, in every way, you're becoming more accepting and loving towards yourself.
Join the Journey!
Feeling like you need a space to share, grow, and evolve? Hop on over to the Facebook #CanDoMindset_Community. It's a safe haven I'm building for people like you. Let's transform our mindsets, together!
And if you ever feel like you could use a guiding hand, remember, I'm here. Through mindset coaching sessions, I'm committed to helping souls like you shift from self-punishment to self-love.
Remember - Your future is created by what you do today, not tomorrow. So, start today, and remember, you're not alone on this journey. We've got your back!
With love and blessings,
Rad - Your Mindset Coach
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