FS Extra đŁ Start treating yourself like someone worth saving
Published: Fri, 10/10/25
Updated: Fri, 10/10/25
Youâve probably told yourself at some point, âI just need to be tougher on myself". It sounds sensible, however what if itâs the very reason you keep running in circles?
Harsh self-criticism feels like discipline, yet all it really does is drain your energy and crush your confidence. The truth is, if beating yourself up worked, youâd already be flawless.
I recently wrote about why self-compassion actually creates more resilience, motivation and courage than the harshest inner critic ever could.
Youâll see how the science backs it up and why a kinder voice in your head leads to bigger results in real life.
Drop the whip and see what happens
Think back to the best coach or teacher you ever had. Did they make you better by tearing you down or did they build you up while still expecting more from you?
Self-compassion works the same way. Itâs the voice that steadies you after a stumble, not the one that kicks you while youâre down.
Once you see the research, youâll understand why self-criticism actually shuts down learning, while self-compassion turns mistakes into lessons worth having. This isnât about lowering your standards. Itâs about creating the only conditions where growth can actually thrive.
Discover why self-compassion beats self-criticism
It may feel strange at first to swap harshness for kindness, yet itâs a practice that changes everything, your focus, your resilience, even your relationships. Every time you choose compassion, youâre teaching your brain a new way to respond. Over time, that shift rewires your entire sense of self.
If youâve been carrying the weight of that inner critic for too long, I think youâll find these ideas refreshing and maybe even liberating.
Stop letting your inner critic steal your energy
When you drop the whip, you donât lose drive, you gain freedom. You free up energy to try, fail, learn and try again. Thatâs where real progress lives. Let self-compassion be the ally youâve always needed and notice how much lighter the path ahead feels.
View and share a few previous emails here
See you again soon.
Â
Harsh self-criticism feels like discipline, yet all it really does is drain your energy and crush your confidence. The truth is, if beating yourself up worked, youâd already be flawless.
I recently wrote about why self-compassion actually creates more resilience, motivation and courage than the harshest inner critic ever could.
Youâll see how the science backs it up and why a kinder voice in your head leads to bigger results in real life.
Drop the whip and see what happens
Think back to the best coach or teacher you ever had. Did they make you better by tearing you down or did they build you up while still expecting more from you?
Self-compassion works the same way. Itâs the voice that steadies you after a stumble, not the one that kicks you while youâre down.
Once you see the research, youâll understand why self-criticism actually shuts down learning, while self-compassion turns mistakes into lessons worth having. This isnât about lowering your standards. Itâs about creating the only conditions where growth can actually thrive.
Discover why self-compassion beats self-criticism
It may feel strange at first to swap harshness for kindness, yet itâs a practice that changes everything, your focus, your resilience, even your relationships. Every time you choose compassion, youâre teaching your brain a new way to respond. Over time, that shift rewires your entire sense of self.
If youâve been carrying the weight of that inner critic for too long, I think youâll find these ideas refreshing and maybe even liberating.
Stop letting your inner critic steal your energy
When you drop the whip, you donât lose drive, you gain freedom. You free up energy to try, fail, learn and try again. Thatâs where real progress lives. Let self-compassion be the ally youâve always needed and notice how much lighter the path ahead feels.
View and share a few previous emails here
See you again soon.
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đ Download these gift ebooks & MP3s before they disappear https://forwardsteps.info/freegiftsfromfriends/
đ Unlock your bonus toolbox to keep inspiration flowing https://forwardstepsblog.com/free-personal-development-gifts/
đ Missed your Forward Steps free eBook downloads? Grab them here https://forwardstepsblog.com/ebook-downloads/ đ Password: forwardstepsfree
Forward Steps emails are simply to inform & entertain you. Blend them with your own life experiences and let's keep stepping forward together! When you make purchases through some links, I may earn a commission (which won't cost you anything extra). If ever you need to reach out to me, simply reply to any Forward Steps email. I personally respond to every message.
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PO Box 1307
Victoria Park WA 6981
AU
Unsubscribe  |  Change Subscriber Options