How many times have you walked into a room and started comparing yourself to everyone else? Your inner dialogue may be something like, “She’s more successful than me. I’m not as confident as him. I’m not attractive enough.” Chances are that most people in that room are questioning themselves, too. The good news? There are ways to change that.
You’re not the only one who has an inner critic. Everyone has insecurities that affect them daily. Here are a few ways to help quiet the inner critic and start accepting yourself, flaws and all.
- Give yourself the advice you would give a friend: We’re our harshest critic. Think about what you would tell a friend if they came to you with the same insecurities you have and apply that to yourself. Practice self-kindness.
- Make small changes: If you set small, attainable goals for things you can change, you’ll feel more confident. Maybe you don’t feel like you fit in anywhere – Join an online group geared toward your interests. If you’re unprepared for your day at work because you get there late, get up earlier to give yourself time to settle in.
- Be kind to yourself: Everyone has things they see as flaws. Your laugh isn’t too loud, you’re not too opinionated, and the freckles on your nose don’t make you unattractive, they make you unique.
- Don’t let the past define you: You’re a sum of your experiences, but the past doesn’t define who you are. A failed project or unmet goal doesn’t make you a failure. A bad choice you made a month ago doesn’t mean you’re stupid. Negative things happen and they’re opportunities for learning, not a weight to hold you down.
Embrace yourself and understand everyone has insecurities. Recognize what you can change and accept the things you can’t. Take baby steps and you’ll be amazed at how much better you’ll feel.
