Often we can be our own worst enemy. Sometimes we set our standards for ourselves higher than those we create for others. As we become more resilient, we learn to manage our internal critic. Here are things to focus on if you want to make best use of your internal critic.
1. Learn to listen objectively. Often when you criticize yourself, examine if are you using the same measurements you would for others, or do you criticize yourself much more harshly? Building resilience means you are able to be objective rather than overly critical. When you recognize there is something that needs to be changed, you will take the necessary steps without judging yourself. This helps build resilience.
2. Learn and move on. Dwelling on mistakes and failures will only keep you stuck. Often these experiences provide an opportunity to grow and improve. Learn to count them as lessons learned and move on.
3. Track your improvements. A great way to keep your inner critic in check is to take a look at how you have changed your habits, skills and behaviors over time. If you’re constantly improving and moving forward, then the mistakes you’ve made have all been positive.
4. Start each day fresh. Leave yesterday’s mistakes behind. View each morning as a new beginning. Focus on what you can do well today. This will make you more resilient and increase your chances of success. It will also increase your mood and demeanor with others, too.
5. Share your experiences. Use your mistakes as lessons to help others. This also helps you to embrace any errors because you can see how your lessons can teach others.
When we make mistakes and many of us judge ourselves too harshly. When you approach your goals with realistic expectations, and a desire to learn from every experience, you’ll become more resilient and more successful, too.