What Does Self-Compassion Mean? How To Treat Yourself the Right WayBy Michaela

Are you struggling to find a way to treat yourself with kindness? Do you feel pressure from society, social media, or your inner critic that often makes it hard to be gentle and understanding with yourself? It’s time to start learning more about self-compassion: an empowering concept that can improve your overall well-being.

Self-compassion involves giving ourselves the same understanding and care we would offer our close friends — without judgment. Developing this skill is beneficial in many ways, as it encourages us to accept ourselves as human beings without relying solely on our achievements or successes.

In this article, we’ll explore what self-compassion entails, how it promotes healthier relationships within ourselves and others, and provide tips for getting started on the path of self-love today!

Definition of Self-Compassion

Before we get into the fine details of self-compassion, let’s first define what it really is.

Self-compassion is the practice of being kind and understanding to oneself. It involves treating oneself with the same care, empathy, and compassion that one would extend to a friend in need. This can include positive self-talk, reframing negative thoughts in more compassionate ways, and giving credit to our successes without relying solely on them for worth or value. 

At its core, self-compassion is about not berating yourself when things don’t go right but instead recognizing that everyone makes mistakes and understanding how you’re feeling without judgment. In essence, it’s a form of self-care that helps us become more accepting of our flaws and recognize our strengths while developing inner resilience. 

An example of self-compassion might be thinking positively about ourselves even when we make mistakes or experience failure or disappointment. We might respond to ourselves with words like “It’s ok – I did my best given the situation” or “I still have plenty of other talents I can rely on”. Another example could be acknowledging our emotions when faced with an upsetting situation or difficult tasks instead of beating ourselves up for being ‘weak’. Acknowledging these feelings as normal allows us to move forward and address them with kindness rather than anger or frustration. 

Despite its benefits, there are some common misconceptions about self-compassion that we should dispel right off the bat. Contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t involve letting ourselves off the hook for any wrongdoings—rather, it’s simply adopting a nonjudgmental attitude toward our experiences so we can learn from them without feeling ashamed or guilty. Additionally, self-compassion doesn’t mean becoming complacent—it’s actually a powerful motivator to push yourself towards positive change by showing yourself understanding when you fall short so you can get back on track quickly and keep going until you reach your goals.

Benefits of Self-Compassion

Self-compassion is an important tool that can help us to be more understanding of ourselves during difficult situations and challenging times. It helps to foster a mindset of acceptance, understanding, and kindness toward ourselves. This allows us to move through life’s struggles with more resilience and strength.  

One of the key benefits of self-compassion is being able to acknowledge our mistakes without judgment or harsh criticism. Through this practice, we can learn to make peace with our mistakes and take ownership of them, instead of feeling ashamed or embarrassed. Allowing ourselves the opportunity for self-forgiveness helps us refrain from ruminating on our missteps and encourages us to stay focused on growth and progress. 

Another advantage of self-compassion is that it allows us to accept our flaws without trying to hide them from view or denial. We don’t have to pretend that everything is perfect in order for ourselves or others to recognize our worth; rather, by embracing our imperfections we can nurture greater self-confidence and trust in who we are as individuals. 

Self-compassion can also provide us with a sense of perspective when faced with adversity. Instead of becoming overwhelmed by a problem, it gives us the ability to appreciate its magnitude while remaining emotionally level-headed. This makes it easier for us to come up with creative solutions that are tailored to our particular situation while still maintaining a sense of calmness within ourselves. 

Ultimately, self-compassion serves as an invaluable tool for personal growth and development by encouraging understanding and respect for ourselves as human beings rather than solely relying on achievements or successes in order for validation or recognition. By integrating this practice into our everyday lives, we can cultivate healthier relationships with others while deepening the connection that exists between us and ourselves.

Reasons for Lack of Self-Compassion

Have you ever wondered why you can’t seem to give yourself the credit that you deserve? Let’s talk about some of the most common reasons why you are being so hard on yourself!

One of the most common reasons for a lack of self-compassion is that someone views themselves through an excessively critical or negative lens. This can be reflected in how they talk to themselves internally, as well as how they form judgments about their own behavior and actions. 

A second reason someone might lack self-compassion is if they compare themselves too closely to others. Whether it be comparing their success or beauty, people who don’t have self-compassion often find themselves short compared to others. Seeing a healthy amount of comparison can be beneficial, however, too much comparison can lead to low levels of self-esteem. The resulting feelings of inferiority can lead people to put pressure on themselves and make them feel like they need to do better in order to receive the same type of validation from others as those around them do. 

In addition, another common reason for a lack of self-compassion could also come from having high expectations for oneself. People with high expectations often expect perfection from every task or project that they take on and when they don’t meet those expectations, they tend not to show any compassion toward themselves. Rather than acknowledging the process and progress made throughout the task, people with high expectations will often focus on what went wrong or what could have been done better, leaving no room for positive reinforcement. 

Finally, fear of failure can also contribute to a lack of self-compassion. People who are overly concerned about failing become so wrapped up in trying not to fail that it takes away from their ability to reflect upon their successes. Without any time devoted to recognizing and honoring accomplishments, it becomes hard for individuals to offer themselves unconditional support and understanding when things don’t go according to plan. 

What Happens When You Don’t Give Self-Compassion?

When someone doesn’t practice self-compassion, it can have a detrimental effect on their well-being. Without self-compassion, an individual can become overly critical and harsh on themselves due to unrealistic expectations or comparisons to others.

This can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, inadequacy, and helplessness which can further contribute to a negative mindset and low self-esteem. When someone is unable to accept themselves without judgment or without relying solely on their achievements or successes, they may make decisions out of fear instead of courage and be less likely to take risks that could lead to greater success.

Additionally, they may experience lower levels of motivation due to feelings of hopelessness which further impacts the outcomes they experience. Self-compassion encourages us to love and accept ourselves for who we are in order for us to find purpose and fulfillment in our lives.

Common Mistakes in Self-Compassion

One of the most common mistakes people make when trying to practice self-compassion is confusing it with self-pity. Thinking that self-compassion is indulging in negative emotions and ruminating on them can be a major obstacle to practicing it correctly. Self-pity often leads to feelings of guilt and resentment, whereas self-compassion focuses on accepting that mistakes or challenges are part of being human. Self-pity keeps us stuck in our own heads, whereas self-compassion helps us to move forward. 

Another mistake people often make is expecting too much too soon. Many people feel pressure to become ‘perfectly’ compassionate right away, but this can be an impossible standard. Self-compassion requires patience, understanding, and repetition to truly become second nature; those who don’t give themselves time will likely find the process unsuccessful. 

A third pitfall is not learning how to differentiate between compassion and complacency. Understandably, many people may have difficulty giving themselves the same care they would offer others, as it can feel uncomfortable or unnecessary; however, not allowing yourself to take proper care of your emotional needs can lead you down a dangerous path toward burnout or even depression. Instead, focus on learning how to accept your flaws without letting them define you and remember that each mistake should be used as an opportunity for growth and personal development. 

Finally, another common misunderstanding is that self-compassion means avoiding all criticism or constructive feedback from yourself and others completely. While it’s important not to rely solely on external validation or put too much pressure on yourself in order to grow and thrive, healthy criticism can actually help develop motivation and resilience which are essential for maintaining long-term success. 

Overall, there are many pitfalls when it comes to learning how to treat yourself with kindness through the practice of self-compassion — but the rewards of overcoming them are worth it! By recognizing these potential obstacles ahead of time and taking steps toward understanding what true self-compassion looks like, you will be able to use this skill as a powerful tool for improving your overall well-being!

What Self-Compassion Involves

You have the definition of self-compassion, but it will be even more helpful to gain some insight into some of the strategies that self-compassion involves. Here are some of the ways that you can start to be more self-compassionate and make true progress in releasing yourself from the unrealistic expectations that you have!

Mindful Self-Compassion and Acceptance

Mindful self-compassion and acceptance is a practice that encourages us to treat ourselves with the same kindness, understanding, and gentleness that we would show to a friend. This can involve becoming aware of our thoughts and feelings, while also accepting them without judgment or criticism. It involves paying attention to both positive and negative emotions, with the intention of understanding ourselves better rather than trying to change or ignore our inner experiences. 

An example of this strategy being used in practice could be when you are feeling overwhelmed or anxious – instead of telling yourself off or ignoring your feelings, try to observe them mindfully with acceptance. Even if what you feel is uncomfortable, allow yourself to experience it without trying to push it away. Embrace it as an opportunity for personal growth and understanding. Acknowledge the feeling without judgment and offer yourself words of kindness such as “It’s ok that I’m feeling this way”.

Self-Forgiveness and Understanding

Self-forgiveness and understanding is an important part of self-compassion as it allows you to accept your mistakes, be gentle with yourself and bring healing to your inner world. It is about understanding that mistakes are part of the human experience and that you are worthy of forgiveness because of this.

Practicing self-forgiveness involves truly accepting responsibility for mistakes, cutting yourself some slack, reframing your negative thinking into something more positive and kinder, and treating yourself with compassion.

For example, rather than berating yourself for a mistake or failing at something, practice self-forgiveness by saying “I am human and it was ok to make this mistake”. This helps break down unrealistic expectations and encourages a healthier relationship with oneself.

Empathy and Kindness Towards Oneself

Empathy and kindness towards oneself is at the heart of self-compassion. This strategy involves recognizing your own suffering and responding with understanding and care. An example of this would be if you made a mistake and were berating yourself. With empathy and kindness, you would acknowledge that you are human and that everyone makes mistakes. You would then treat yourself with compassion, understanding, and care.

Radical Self-Care Through Healthy Habits and Boundaries

Radical self-care through healthy habits and boundaries is a self-compassion strategy that aims to cultivate a kinder, gentler, and more mindful relationship with oneself. It involves setting realistic expectations for oneself, avoiding unhealthy behaviors, and learning to recognize, honor, and respect one’s own needs and limits.

For example, if you find yourself in a situation of excessive stress or burnout, practicing radical self-care might involve taking time for yourself to rest and recharge by going on a walk or taking up a hobby, setting boundaries with others in order to protect your own mental health, and adopting healthy habits such as daily exercise, eating nutritious food and getting adequate sleep.

Ultimately, the goal of radical self-care is to nurture a sense of love, care, and inner peace within oneself.

How to Develop Self-Compassion In Your Life

Recognizing that you need some more self-compassion in your life is one thing. Putting it into practice and actually granting yourself that relief is another. If it were easy, you wouldn’t be reading this article!

Everyone is wired differently. It’s no bad thing to hold yourself to high standards, but everything has a limit. If your lack of self-compassion is a hindrance or you simply don’t know how to put systems in place to provide yourself with self-compassion, then read along to discover some of the best starting methods for introducing self-compassion into your life.

Caring For Yourself Emotionally & Mentally

Caring for yourself emotionally and mentally is one of the best ways to develop self-compassion. It involves taking steps to make sure your mental health and emotional well-being are in a good place so that you can approach life with resilience and thoughtfulness.

This could include activities such as journaling, meditating, being deliberate about surrounding yourself with positive people, or taking time out for self-care routines.

The benefits of this kind of self-compassion practice are vast; it can lower stress levels, improve sleep quality, help people to manage difficult emotions better, reduce anxiety and depression symptoms, and even improve physical health outcomes.

When you take the time to cultivate emotional and mental well-being through positive self-talk and kindness toward yourself, it sets up an internal environment where the world feels more manageable and enjoyable.

Self-compassion is an important tool to have in our arsenal in order to build resilience in tough times, feel more contentment day-to-day, foster relationships with others, and ultimately become a happier version of yourself.

Making Room for Mistakes or Failures

Making room for mistakes or failures is an important part of self-compassion. Allowing yourself to make mistakes and accepting failure as part of the learning process means that you’re less likely to feel overwhelmed and more likely to be kinder to yourself.

With this mindset, instead of seeing failure as a negative thing, it becomes an opportunity for growth. It allows you to recognize your strengths and weaknesses so that you can move forward in a more positive direction. Not only this, but making room for mistakes also decreases stress levels and increases self-confidence over time.

By being realistic about your expectations and forgiving yourself when things don’t turn out as planned, you learn how to appreciate yourself despite any shortcomings or setbacks. In the long run, taking ownership of your mistakes will lead to greater resilience, motivation, and most importantly – a happier existence!

Focusing on Gratitude & Savoring Positive Moments

Focusing on gratitude and savoring positive moments is one of the best ways to introduce self-compassion into your life. When we focus on what we are grateful for and actively try to savor every positive moment that comes our way, it not only helps us appreciate life more but also opens up a gateway toward self-compassion.

This can help us learn to accept mistakes and forgive ourselves when needed. Practicing gratitude can even improve our moods by releasing endorphins and other hormones that make us feel relaxed, so it’s no surprise that focusing on gratitude has many psychological benefits.

Additionally, being able to practice self-compassion helps us build stronger relationships with others because it teaches us to be kinder and more understanding towards ourselves as well as others.

Focusing on gratitude and savoring positive moments is a great way to practice self-compassion in everyday life and can ultimately lead to greater contentment and overall happiness.

Challenges of Self-Compassion

Self-compassion comes with a variety of benefits for your life, but everything that is worth doing will take effort. This is no different. There are some significant challenges that you could face when you decide to try and include more self-compassion in your life. Here are a few of them.

One of the most common challenges people face when trying to include more self-compassion into their lives is identifying what it actually means and looks like. Many people think it requires them to be overly indulgent with themselves, which can lead to feelings of guilt or unworthiness. Others might struggle with understanding how far to go with affirmations – too little can leave you feeling discouraged and too much can feel awkward or embarrassing. Additionally, some may find it difficult to substitute old, negative habits and beliefs for more compassionate ones. This can be especially tricky if those thought patterns have been ingrained in the person for a long time. 

The good news is that there are strategies and resources available to help people learn how to practice self-compassion in their lives. One of these is working with a coach like Michaela Weaver who specializes in helping people enhance their mindset, focus on healthy behavior patterns, and use tools that are not based on shame or guilt, but rather on self-awareness and acceptance. A successful coach will provide personalized plans that take into account individual needs and motivations in order for the person to make positive changes in their life.  

Self-compassion also involves actively recognizing negative thoughts without getting stuck in them or condemning oneself for having them at all. It’s important to recognize both sides of any situation – the difficult emotions as well as those of positivity and joy – so one can come away with a better understanding of what is happening both externally and internally. Additionally, learning how to forgive yourself while still holding yourself accountable for your behavior will allow you to move forward without feeling trapped by guilt or shame over past mistakes or failures. 

Examples of Self-Compassion in Everyday Life

One example of self-compassion is to treat yourself with kindness and gentleness instead of harshly criticizing yourself. For example, after making a mistake, rather than beating yourself up for it, take a moment to recognize the mistake and then acknowledge that you are still human, and mistakes happen. Remind yourself that it’s okay to be imperfect and not always succeed. You can even thank yourself for trying your best and learning from the experience. 

Another example of self-compassion is giving yourself credit for successes without relying solely on them for worth or value. Celebrate small wins in life and reward yourself for doing something difficult, such as completing a project or accomplishing a goal. Recognize your successes but also remind yourself that you don’t need external validation to feel important or valuable.

Lastly, when feeling overwhelmed or anxious about an upcoming event or challenge, take some time out of your day to practice mindfulness meditation or positive self-talk. Instead of worrying about what might go wrong, focus on being in the present moment and recognize all the things that you have going well in your life at this very moment. Give yourself permission to rest and recharge before tackling whatever it is that has been causing stress in your life. 

Self-compassion is an important practice that can help us better cope with adversity, build resilience and achieve greater happiness in our lives. By setting aside time each day to practice self-compassion we can cultivate more compassion towards ourselves which leads to more healthy relationships with others as well as improved mental well-being overall.

Is Your Lack of Self-Compassion a Hindrance? It Might Be Time For a Calibration Shift

Even at the end of all this learning, now that you are able to identify what self-compassion is, what the benefits are, and some of the common pitfalls, if you are unable to give yourself the self-compassion that you deserve, it might be time to call in some help.

You deserve self-compassion. Michaela Weaver can help. Through her Calibration Shift coaching program, she can help you to discover your self-confidence and finally start giving yourself the credit that you deserve.

This transformative program can set you up for success in future endeavors and help you to stop brooding over past failures. Enroll now and free yourself from unrealistic expectations and unhappy thoughts!