06/19/2026
Being hard on yourself slows down progress because it has you focusing on whatโs NOT going well- and whatever you focus on repeatedly, is enhanced. But it can be a hard pattern to break! ๐
Here are some tips for how to be easier on yourself, and ๐ฆ๐๐ค๐ ๐ฐ๐จ๐ซ๐ค๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ๐ฌ ๐ฆ๐จ๐ซ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ง:
๐ข Focus on the group, instead of on yourself. Notice the group dynamics and get into conversation with others, make jokes, and appreciate other peopleโs sense of humor or characteristics. This will help you take the focus away from yourself.
๐ข If you tend to be critical of yourself, name your inner-critic! Naming the voice of judgment, criticism, or comparison is an effective way to disidentify from that voice and realize you are not that voice. When you name the inner critic (give it any name!) it allows you to say, โno thank youโ and choose to not listen!
๐ข Smile! Cheesy? Perhaps, but physically smiling releases hormones that contribute to pain-relief and happiness. You can hold a light smile by simply focusing on the corners of your mouth and turning them upward. Even a small smile can change the way you think and feel.