10/26/2026
How do you talk to yourself after a mistake?
Many of us offer understanding to a friend but respond to ourselves with harsh criticism. Self-compassion doesn’t mean ignoring the impact of a mistake or pretending everything is fine. It means acknowledging what happened without treating it as proof that you’re a failure.
You might pause and ask:
• What would I say to someone I care about in this situation?
• What can I learn or repair, one step at a time?
• What do I need right now to respond thoughtfully?
A kinder inner voice can take practice. Which question would be most helpful for you to remember on a difficult day?