BLUF

Being too hard on yourself negatively impacts your work output and increases self-criticism and procrastination.

Summary

A sensitive striver strives to achieve excellence at all times—an impossible task. They judge themselves harshly, over-analyse, and worry about perceived mistakes.

It is an ineffective and hard habit to break. 

Melody Wilding writes that you need to create a physiological distance from self-criticism by giving it a name from a book or movie. This process, called cognitive diffusion, decreases stress, reduces discomfort and increases believability. 

Don't concentrate on a specific event; consider the entire performance. 

Consider the 'What if?' in a positive context. 'What if this works?' rather than 'What if this fails?'

A sensitive striver needs to revise what they see as a 'win'. 

For example:

  • Overcoming a fear
  • Standing up for what you believe is right
  • Changing your mindset
  • Taking a small step towards a goal

Reflect on the day's highlights and worth noting that maintaining your integrity and your values is one definition of success.

Learn more about why you should not be too hard on yourself.

References