Written by Marissa Yubas, Therapist and Mindset Coach
Marissa Yubas is a leader in mindset and psychology and is the founder of Thriving Mind Coaching. She is a founding member and an expert coach of In Power, a social media platform built on healthy connections and personal growth, coming out soon.
Do you ever find yourself being your own worst critic? That little voice in your head pointing out every mistake, flaw, or shortcoming? While self-reflection is beneficial, harsh self-criticism can be damaging. The good news is that you can shift from self-judgment to self-compassion.
Five unique ways to be kinder to yourself
1. Give your inner critic a silly name
Personify your inner critic by giving it a funny or ridiculous name, like “Naggy Nancy” or “Doomsday Dan.” This helps you detach from harsh self-talk and see it as an unhelpful voice rather than reality.
2. Write yourself a forgiveness letter
Instead of dwelling on past mistakes, write a letter to yourself as if you were an understanding friend. Acknowledge what happened, express empathy, and offer words of comfort and encouragement.
3. Create a “compassion jar”
Keep a jar filled with positive notes about yourself, things you’ve accomplished, kind words from others, or moments of resilience. Whenever you feel self-critical, pull out a note to remind yourself of your worth.
4. Use a “reverse golden rule”
We often treat others with more kindness than we treat ourselves. Flip the Golden Rule: Treat yourself as you would treat others. If you wouldn’t say it to a friend, don’t say it to yourself.
5. Laugh at your mistakes (lovingly)
Instead of beating yourself up over small mistakes, find humor in them. Laughing at yourself in a lighthearted way can help you release shame and view mistakes as part of being human.
Shifting from self-criticism to self-compassion takes practice, but these techniques can help you reframe your mindset. Remember, you deserve the same kindness you give to others!
Read more from Marissa Yubas
Marissa Yubas, Therapist and Mindset Coach
Marissa Yubas is a licensed therapist and mindset coach. With over a decade of experience, Marissa has helped empower women to reach and exceed their goals, create meaningful transformations, and gain clarity in their lives. She enjoys helping working women who seek to overcome self-limiting beliefs, break down mindset barriers, and create a fulfilling life in and out of the workspace.
