Many people tend to be harsher and more critical of themselves than they are of others. And that ugly, negative voice in your head is some version of you being hard on you–being your worst critic.
This self-critical tendency can lead to self-doubt, negative self-talk, and a heightened awareness of perceived flaws or mistakes. This results in feeling disappointed or dissatisfied.
The voice in your head that criticizes you can be helpful in keeping your standards high and motivating you to strive for more. However, when this voice becomes overly negative and harsh, it can be detrimental to your well-being. In such situations, it is important to practice self-compassion and mindfulness. You need to remind yourself that you are doing the best that you can in that moment and let go of any self-judgment.
Through regular mindfulness practice, you can develop greater insight and become more reflective. This will enable you to become more aware of the negative self-judgments that your mind produces. Mindfulness teaches that you are not your thoughts; you are merely an observer of them. By not attaching meaning to these self-judgments, you can reduce the tendency to fully identify with negative thoughts and emotions, creating a sense of detachment. It is crucial to stop giving weight to negative thoughts as they can weigh you down.
It is crucial to develop self-compassion and a realistic view of your abilities and accomplishments. Treating yourself with empathy and kindness, much like you would with a friend, can enhance your mental well-being and lead to a more balanced self-evaluation.
