Introduction
We all want to experience joy, well-being, and a sense of accomplishment. However many people forget one of the most powerful strategies to get there: being kind to yourself.
As part of the “How to Be a Better Human” TED Talk series, Susan David, a psychologist at Harvard Medical School, spoke about the importance of self-compassion. Moreover, she highlighted that people who treat themselves with care often have greater motivation and achieve better results – both privately and in working life.
To understand this better, in this article, you’ll first learn what self-compassion means. Next, we go through why self-compassion is important in work, and finally you get 10 concrete ways to strengthen your self-compassion.
Life is not about finding yourself.
Life is about creating yourself.
George Bernard Shaw
What self-compassion means
Self-compassion is about treating yourself with the same kindness, understanding, and support that you would give a close friend. In other words, it means accepting one’s shortcomings, dealing with adversity with care, and not judging oneself too harshly.
Self-compassion consists of three parts:
- Self-kindness – Being kind to yourself instead of criticizing yourself in mistakes or difficult situations.
- Common humanity – Understanding that no one is perfect and that all people face challenges.
- Mindfulness – Being aware of one’s thoughts and feelings without getting caught up in negativity.
By practicing self-compassion, we can not only strengthen our self-esteem, but also manage stress better and create a more sustainable driving force, both at work and in our private lives.
Self-compassion at work – why it matters
Being kind to yourself is not only a matter of well-being – it also has a direct impact on your performance and work environment. Here are some ways self-compassion can make you more successful in your professional role:
- Reduced stress and increased productivity – When you stop belittling yourself when you make mistakes, you can focus on finding solutions and developing.
- Better decision-making ability – A secure self-image means that you dare to take initiative and make decisions without getting caught up in self-criticism.
- More motivation – The more you appreciate your progress, the easier it will be to keep your energy up and keep moving forward.
- Improved collaboration skills – Self-compassion allows you to be more open and empathetic, which in turn creates better relationships in the workplace.
How can you strengthen your self-compassion and positively influence your work?
Here are 10 concrete ways to get started:
- Prioritizing time for yourself
Giving yourself space for recovery leads to increased creativity and better focus on work. That’s why it’s important to set aside time for yourself. For example, take regular breaks where you relax from work. - Give yourself praise
Instead of just recognizing other people’s achievements – celebrate your own successes! A positive attitude towards your efforts makes you more motivated and strengthens your self-esteem. The more often you do this, the more natural it will feel. - Let go of mistakes and move on
: Everyone makes mistakes. The most important thing is not only to deal with them, but also to see them as lessons. Plus, it helps you evolve and improve your results over time. - Take care of your health
Sleep, exercise and a good diet affect your work capacity. A healthy body creates a healthy brain, which leads to you being able to perform better and feel more energized during the day. - Proactively manage stress
Learn to set boundaries, plan realistically, and create breaks in the workday. It makes you more efficient and at the same time less overwhelmed. To reduce work-related stress, it is important that you actively take time for recovery. - Show kindness to others
When you’re kind to yourself, you’ll also be a better colleague – and as a result, a more valued part of your team. In addition, it leads to a positive work environment where people inspire and support each other. - Give yourself rewards – often
Small rewards after work efforts can strengthen your motivation and job satisfaction. By recognizing and celebrating your achievements, you create healthier and more sustainable working days. - Believe in yourself
A confident attitude to your skills makes you more determined and proactive in your work. When you actively strengthen your self-esteem, you also dare to take more initiatives and grow in your role. Remember that you can do more than you think! - Practice self-compassion in stressful situations
When faced with challenges, ask yourself: How would I support a friend in the same situation? Use the same consideration for yourself. By facing difficult situations with self-compassion, you can deal with adversity in a more constructive way. - Respect your dreams and goals
Feeling like you’re working towards something that matters to you creates both meaning and commitment. In addition, it is about giving yourself permission to follow your goals and dreams.
Ultimately, self-compassion is not a luxury—it’s a necessity for sustainable performance.
By being kinder to yourself, you will not only be more motivated and focused, but also a more inspiring and successful person at work.
So why wait? After all, when you feel good, you also do a better job. 💛
More knowledge in strengthening your self-compassion?
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