Working with Self-Criticism

Life is what happens when we are making other plans. The topic I'd planned to discuss on different types of thinking will have to wait.

Today I need to share my embarrassment at a recent mistake. It was a typo in the last newsletter. Right at the top. Upon noticing it my first thoughts were, Oh no! How do I fix it? and then what will people think?

A short-lived, panicky feeling followed. Then my higher mind kicked in and said they will think I am human. Which is true enough. Mistakes are woven into the process of growth. We all make them. Even in our professional roles.

The emotions that come with mistakes are valid. How to respond is a choice.

I had a choice to let my harsh inner critic be the loudest voice in the room or to extend compassion to myself, honoring both the embarrassment and the shared humanity that our imperfections reveal.

I’ll be honest. It took a minute to get out of my head and appreciate the mistake for the gift it truly was. It provided an opening to illustrate how mindful self-compassion helps us work with self-criticism in real time. I can either hide the mistake, be ashamed of it, make myself wrong for allowing it to happen, and tell myself no one has ever felt like I do; or I can name it and tame it. I can speak kindly to myself and remember it was just a mistake. No biggie. And then ask myself what was the lesson in this experience? 

Lesson #1 this newsletter needs a better proofreading system (now in place).

Lesson #2 I am allowed to be human, and

Lesson #3 never miss an opportunity to capitalize on a teachable moment!

Next time we’ll talk about different types of thinking and share exciting news about Georgia's Task Force for Empowering Blind Independence, a new nonprofit established to champion game changing ideas.