To me, it takes more than generic cheerleading self-talk like “You can do it!” to practice self-compassion. Sometimes, I have to acknowledge that I’m not doing this as well as I’d like. Then, recognize that more challenging emotions are a universal experience and devise a game plan. This takes the mind tricks out of my head and into forward momentum.
For example, I'm selling my house, and it seems there is a new 'stage gate' to get through daily! I can get anxious about each outcome, or I can acknowledge my fear and decide to think optimistically until I have all the information. For example, I will choose not to worry excessively about this until I know whether it’s a problem. I don’t need to run through every scenario in advance. I can trust myself to make good decisions once I have complete information.
It's a good start, but then what? I don't want to get stuck ruminating. I'm a woman of action! How about that game plan? I like a good spreadsheet every now and then, but also like the techniques in this article and corresponding journal exercise that dive into "fierce" or "yang" self-compassion. The framework helps me land on actions I can take after cleaning up my self-talk. Questions like, "How can you motivate yourself with kindness, support, and understanding rather than criticism?" appeal to my love of getting things done!
Practical, actionable,, and concise ways to practice self-compassion. Thank you for the tips!