How do you view yourself?

What are the judgments you pass on yourself versus others?

Are you lifting yourself up or constantly putting yourself down?

I came across this passage by Nathaniel Branden in his book, Honoring the Self. From the moment I read it, I felt its power because not only do I think so many people often pass negative judgment on themselves, I’m also guilty of doing it to myself. We are our own worst critic and those negative criticisms and judgments we willingly place on ourselves can be detrimental to our self-esteem and self-worth.

Think about the last time you judged yourself negatively. What was it for? Was it for something you said or did? How did it make you feel?

Every time we attack ourselves with our own negative judgment, we chip away at our self-esteem and our own perceived self-worth. If we are constantly putting ourselves down and see ourselves as less than the person we are, how can we be our best version for both the people in our lives and for ourselves?

It is so interesting because where does this negative self-judgment stem from. How have we allowed ourselves to get to a place where we can be so critical of ourselves yet praise other people?

We lose our ability to appreciate who we are. When people lose this ability, they then turn to the external (other people, material objects, career, money, etc.) to validate their worth. You know as well as I do (well, at least I hope you know) that it doesn’t work. It is complete B.S.

There is nothing or no one other than you that determines your worth. Oh, there are plenty of people that will try. However, it is all based on a set of rules, parameters, or guidelines made up by someone else.

You get to choose how you view yourself. You don’t have to be concerned about what others think because the only person you are with on a daily basis is yourself.

So, if you’ve been judging yourself negatively how can you now start changing the narrative?

Start by listing out what those judgments are. Are they valid? You may start realizing that the negative judgments you’ve been making about yourself are someone else’s own insecurities that have been projected on you for years (family member, spouse, friend, etc.).

Begin to let go of those judgments knowing that they are not serving you. Figure out what your values are and what your code is that you want to live by.

You are unique. There is only one of you. Take the time to appreciate yourself.

Now it’s your turn.

How does this quote inspire you?

Tell me about an experience where you passed judgement on yourself. What was it for and where did it originate? Did your self-judgment benefit you or create a negative impact on your self-worth?

If you are still struggling with your inner critic, reach out and get some support.

Contact me or share your thoughts below in the Comments section.

Let’s get the discussion going.

Remember, you are not alone on this journey. Together we can become stronger individuals.

Educate. Engage. Evolve.