Learning Not To Be My Own Worst Critic

I’m not going to lie, I’ve put off writing this post for quite a while because learning not to be my own worst critic is something I’m still learning and practicing every day, but I felt that it was important to write it anyway.

Since I was young, I, like many people, have been very hard on myself. Whether it’s about my appearance, that I’m doing too little, that I’m not good enough, that I should try harder, that I should be more like X Y Z – you name it, I’ve thought about it. And, unfortunately, this is something most of us (if not all of us) experience.

But over the past few years, I’ve slowly but surely learned not to be my own worst critic. Because really, where does it get you? I’ll tell ya: nowhere. All it does it make you feel crap about yourself, your life and everything in it. And what’s the point in that?

Why wish that you looked differently when this is the body you were born in? Instead, why not do things like exercise, eat well,  wear makeup and clothes that make you feel good and surround yourself with people who boost your confidence so you can be the best version of who you are?

Why worry that you’re doing too little and convince yourself that you’re failing at life? Instead, why not look at the things you’ve achieved (I bet there’s loads) and make a list of goals and a plan of action for things you want to achieve? Or talk to a friend and, chances are, they’ll tell you they feel the same way too and that they think you’re amazing. They might even remind you of things you’ve done that you’ve forgotten about.

Why compare yourself to other people and wish you were more like them? You’re not them – you’re you! And you’re pretty damn amazing! When comparison syndrome strikes, try to turn it into productive motivation and appreciation for what you have – it works a treat.

Learning not to be your own worst critic isn’t easy, but it’s one of the most valuable lessons in life. While there’s a part to life that always requires us to be a little tough on ourselves in order to get shit done and to grow, it’s important to remember to be kind to yourself too.

Don’t look at every photo of yourself and pick out what you think is wrong with it or look at someone else’s life and feel unaccomplished in your own. Instead, try to appreciate and learn to love what you have, and use whatever’s left over as motivation to get where you want to be.

Let me know what you think of this post in the comments below, I know it’s different to what I usually do! And shoutout to my boyfriend for standing in the freezing cold to take these photos of me until I found some I didn’t hate, which eventually inspired this post! While I’m not sure I’ll ever master the classic blogger candid pose, I’m proud of myself for at least trying.

Beret – ASOS / Coat – Penneys / Scarf – ASOS / Bag – Gucci Marmont / Jumper – ASOS / Jeans – ASOS / Shoes – Adidas