6 Ways To Avoid Being Overly Harsh On Yourself

6 Ways To Keep The Critic Inside You At Bay

Have you heard of the saying, “Everyone is a critic?”  Indeed, it is true. Do you know who the biggest critic is of all time? You are right, that person is  staring right back at you through the mirror. No one has to come down hard on you because you are already putting yourself into an unpleasant situation. Keep reading to find out six ways that you can get rid of the evil critic.

They say that you can talk to yourself as long as you don't respond. If you respond, however, the potentially negative thoughts will continue unchallenged. This is more detrimental than being thought of as having gone crazy. We often follow the patterns created in our minds by our thoughts. Allowing negative self-talk to dominate your mind can lead to low self-esteem, bad habits, depression and other unhealthy results.

1) Don't let the pressure get to you. Be proactive. Attack those thoughts as soon as they start to speak. Get creative.

Box up your negativity. This can be literal or figurative. In the grand scheme of our life, each problem holds a small place overall. Seeing it as a small matter minimizes its power over you. Try this – Get a small box or container. Whenever you are plagued by a negative thought about yourself for the way you handled a problem or because you made a mistake, write it down on a piece of paper. Put it away in that small container. See your issue diminishing in size. Those thoughts do not define who you are.

2) Replace negativity with positive self-talk. When a negative thought is removed something needs to fill its place in your mind. Exchange a negative thought for a positive thought. If the negative thoughts can keep you down, then surely the positive ones can lift you up.

3) Talk to a trusted friend. Explain the situation that made you feel lousy. Allow your friend to console you and challenge that negative thought pattern that is brining you down.

4) Get realistic. Was the situation as bad as you imagined it was? Maybe you are embellishing the story because of the negatives swirling in your mind? Take a realistic look at you and put things into perspective.

5) Accept your imperfections. They are a part of you, the good, the bad, the ugly and the peculiar. Love who you are and then move on to making changes in your life.

6) Count your positive encounters. It is similar to counting your blessings. What is good about you? What have you done that is positive? Before you know it, you will start feeling happier.

Don't let that voice in your head overshadow your actual voice. Speak the truth and change your circumstances.

If you have any thoughts or comments, do feel free to comment right below.