If you heard someone speaking to your best friend in a derogatory way, or criticising them for the way they look, the way the act, the things they do or don’t do, or say or don’t say, would you step in and stop that criticism?
I bet you would.
If you are a good friend, I’m sure you’d come to their defence because you know that criticism doesn’t encourage anyone.
Self-criticism just makes someone feel aweful, defensive and even powerless.
So, if you wouldn’t let someone criticise you best friend, why do you continue to allow your internal dialogue to criticise you?
When you beat yourself up, does that make you feel confident and powerful? No.
So, if this is what you’ve been doing to yourself for years and it hasn’t worked in getting you to feel confident, powerful and motivated to take action, to do something different, then perhaps it’s time to try a new method.
How about you approve of yourself instead. Then see what happens.
