We strive to be our very best. We engage 100%, we give it our all, in everything we do. At work, as a parent, as a friend, as a partner or lover. When situations don’t go the way we planned – the presentation is sub-par, your kid takes a wrong turn, your relationship has a hiccup, the meeting you put your heart and soul into is just ok – it’s easy to take it personally.
We expect so much from ourselves so when we don’t get the results we want, we take too much responsibility and often blame ourselves. Questions like: What did I do wrong? Am I not a good parent? Is it my fault? pop up in our heads.
Taking things personally wreaks havoc on our self-esteem. It takes us out of our power. Plus it’s emotionally exhausting!
Next time an outcome is less than what you want, ask yourself: What if it’s not about me? The truth is, it rarely is. If the same situation happened to your best friend, what would you say to her or him?
Cut yourself some slack.
Validate yourself for all you do.
Sing your praises.
Pat your fabulous self on the back.
We don’t need to change or fix ourselves to be better, we need to change the way we think of ourselves to be better. Tell yourself all the reasons you are amazing and awesome – today and every day. Try it. Come on, I dare you.
There’s not a thing wrong with you, you’re right all the way through. – Emma Donahue
