How to Practice Positive Thinking and Combat Self-Criticism

You might not put up with someone in your social circle criticizing you all the time. It is likely you would defend yourself, or at least cut that person out and stop spending time with them. But, that becomes harder to do when the person criticizing you is…you.

As the old saying goes, you are your own worst enemy. Self-criticism can be a very difficult thing to deal with, and even harder to overcome.

Unfortunately, negative self-talk can change the way you view yourself. It can affect everything from your career to your relationships.

So, it is important to practice positive thinking and be able to combat self-criticism along the way. Let us cover some effective strategies that can help to change the way you think about yourself.

Recognize Thought Patterns

The first step in combatting self-criticism is recognizing where it comes from. Do you have certain triggers that cause you to think poorly of yourself? When you do have negative thoughts, are they based on fact or opinion? Are they helpful at all or do they simply make you feel bad about who you are?

Once you recognize when the thoughts tend to occur and why, you can start taking more active steps toward challenging them. Think of it as being “prepared for battle” so you can reform negativity into something more positive and productive.

Be Kind to Yourself

You would not judge a loved one who came to you with sadness or told you they were being criticized. You would treat them with kindness, care, and compassion.

Make sure you offer yourself the same grace. Even if your self-criticism stems from a fear of failure or a time when you made a mistake, be compassionate. Be encouraging, not judgmental. Recognize that mistakes and failures do not define you, and they can be used as learning experiences.

Most importantly, practice self-care. Try to do something every day that prioritizes your overall well-being and brings you joy. Making self-care a part of your daily routine will reduce stress, help you recharge, and make it easier to see your worth.

Promote Positivity

Instead of dwelling on negative self-talk, try to replace criticism with positive thinking. Focus on your best qualities and the things you like about yourself so you’ll feel stronger when self-criticism starts to sneak in.

Consider replacing negative language with positive responses. Instead of allowing yourself to say things like, “I am a failure,” say something like, “I can learn from my mistakes,” or “I will get this done.” Language is incredibly important and can make a big difference in how you view yourself.

Gratitude can go a long way in practicing positive thinking. One of the best ways to cultivate it is to keep a journal. Every day, write down a few things for which you are grateful. Showing a genuine appreciation for the things you have, no matter how small, can help to shift your perspective on your life and yourself. Plus, a journal gives you the opportunity to eventually look back on all of the great things about your life.

Talk to Someone

If you find that you struggle with self-criticism, do not hesitate to reach out for help. Having a strong support system to lean on is important. Spend time with those who build you up and make you feel like the best version of yourself.

Talking to a mental health professional can also make a difference, especially if you find it difficult to silence your inner critic. Therapy will make it easier to understand where those thoughts are coming from while offering effective strategies to fight back. If you are ready to move forward and start that fight, I am happy to help along the way. Contact me to set up an appointment soon.