Sometimes we can be too critical of ourselves after making blunders forgetting mistakes are a defining factor of the overall human experience. Some of the most valuable lessons in life are learnt from mistakes. Personal errors in the short-term cause pain but in the long run, the pain gives you a recollection of what not to do. It is beneficial to focus on the latter rather than fixating on the negative.
Beating yourself up every other time you blunder forms a retrogressive habit that really dents your self-esteem. Most people are not conscious when doing this to themselves as they have grown accustomed to self-defeating patterns. According to psychologists, labeling yourself based on a single action is catastrophizing and it is as bad as or even worse than any other manner of self-sabotage.
Valuable Techniques to Prevent Catastrophizing
Other than throwing your confidence out the window and lacking contention in your current state, bullying yourself for whatever reason turns you into a grinch which in the long run leaves you socially alienated. Nobody wants to be around someone who sucks away their will to live.
Below is a list of techniques to turn mistakes into value-oriented self-reflection experiences:
Teaching yourself Self-Acceptance
If you truly feel that you had the potential to handle a certain situation better or even differently, it is an indication of acknowledging your faults. This is more than we can say for most arrogant people who often are self-righteous in their actions. Acknowledging your mistake means you can learn from them.
Choosing not to fall victim to the same errors is a sign of self-development which makes you a better person than you previously were. This makes you feel good about yourself, accepting the situation and letting bygones be bygones which leaves you feeling liberated. Bullying yourself is no different from self-condemnation which is a caged spot that restricts self-development.
Learning to Live in the Moment
The past is already written in ink, you can only make your mark in the present time. Life has proven to be malleable for many people who have turned their situation around by having some perspective for their future. Most of the fulfilled people in life often rise from their own ashes defying all the odds.
Living in the moment means you are working on your current situation where else crucifying yourself over a mistake in the past shows you choose to define your entire existence on one occurrence in your life which is plainly being illogical.
Focusing on Personal Achievements
If the thought of failure invades you try to reflect on an accomplishment you have had in life no matter its scale. This evens things out leaving you in a better mood. Holding yourself in high regards sets you on a path for greater things and failures experienced on the way are nothing more than tiny bumps on the way to success.
The Gratitude Routine
Rising every morning is the most challenging phase for people brooding over the tragedy of their existence. Starting your day in a groggy mood sets your day on a horrible mood which makes you less efficient in your daily routines. To prevent this, exercise being gracious first thing when you wake up by listing down a minimum of 5 things you are grateful for in your life. The more you write the more you feel better about yourself.
Keep the Company of Positive People
People with a positive disposition in life motivate others to do better by moving on from their current situation and in the end moving up in life. Positive people also tend to share more about their own experiences in life and end up being a reliable support system for you.
There is barely anything you can do to change the past, but you can always move on with your head held up high knowing you have learnt from your mistakes.
This post is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered therapy. This blog is only for informational and educational purposes and should not be considered therapy or any form of treatment. We are not able to respond to specific questions or comments about personal situations, appropriate diagnosis or treatment, or otherwise provide any clinical opinions. If you think you need immediate assistance, call your local doctor/psychologist or psychiatrist or the SADAG Mental Health Line on 011 234 4837. If necessary, please phone the Suicide Crisis Line on 0800 567 567 or sms 31393.