Practice Self Kindness
Waypoint Message
Imagine having a best friend who always speaks to you with warmth, understanding, and encouragement, especially when you're struggling or make mistakes. That friend can be you! Self-kindness isn't about making excuses or lowering your standards, it's about treating yourself with the same compassion you'd show a good friend going through a tough time. When you mess up, face a challenge, or feel disappointed, your inner voice has a choice: it can be harsh and critical, or it can be gentle and supportive. The amazing truth is that self-kindness actually makes you stronger, more resilient, and more capable of growth than self-criticism ever could. When you speak to yourself with kindness, you create a safe internal space where you can acknowledge mistakes without shame, learn from setbacks without giving up, and face challenges with courage instead of fear. Think of self-kindness as giving yourself the emotional support you need to keep growing and trying, even when things don't go perfectly. This isn't about being soft on yourself or avoiding responsibility, it's about creating the inner conditions that allow you to bounce back faster, learn more effectively, and maintain the emotional energy needed to keep pursuing your goals. The most successful and happy people have learned that being your own best friend isn't selfish, it's essential for thriving in all areas of life.
Success Strategies
1. The Friend Test: When you notice self-critical thoughts, ask yourself: "Would I say this to my best friend?" If not, rephrase your internal dialogue with the same kindness you'd show them.
2. The Self-Compassion Break: When facing a challenge or setback, give yourself a 30-second self-compassion break. Acknowledge the difficulty, remind yourself that struggles are part of being human, and offer yourself words of encouragement.
3. The Daily Kindness Note: Write yourself one kind message each day. It could be acknowledging something you did well, encouraging yourself through a challenge, or simply reminding yourself of your worth.
Shift your thinking:
Use the shift cards below to reframe your outlook on the day.
Connection Matters:
Use the connection cards below to start a conversation with the people around you.