In her quest to uncover what women wished they had known earlier in life, author Emily Jensen gathered insights from numerous women about their post-college experiences. One of those voices, a 26-year-old writer named Mia Thompson from San Francisco, shared a crucial lesson she learned through her journey.
Mia reflected on her early career and the immense pressure she placed on herself to not just succeed, but to excel. “I often found myself being my own harshest critic. Accepting compliments felt nearly impossible,” she admitted. This internal dialogue led her to realize the importance of self-compassion. “I would never speak to my friends the way I’ve spoken to myself,” she noted, emphasizing that treating oneself with kindness can significantly change one’s outlook.
Life becomes much simpler when we refrain from self-deprecating remarks and comparisons to others whom we perceive as smarter, prettier, or more accomplished. Over her years after graduating, Mia discovered repeatedly that self-criticism is a poor motivator. It fosters a cycle of anxiety that can stifle progress. “When you’re caught up in your own thoughts, it’s easy to lose perspective and blow small mistakes out of proportion,” she explained.
Initially, Mia was convinced that any misstep could jeopardize her career and happiness. Her focus was on avoiding failure rather than embracing it as part of the learning journey. It was only when she learned to ease the pressure she placed on herself that she began to see the positive impact of focusing on her strengths rather than her flaws. “I realize now that I achieve my best results and feel happier when I’m kind to myself,” she concluded.
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Conclusion
In summary, adopting a mindset of self-kindness rather than self-criticism can lead to a healthier outlook and greater success in life. By allowing ourselves grace in our journeys, we can foster a more positive and productive environment.