What I’m reading

“For many in this driven generation, more of whom than ever now rank themselves as more competitive than their peers, self-criticism is their Red Bull. By their logic, you can’t move yourself forward, racking up achievements and building out your résumé, without beating yourself up.
“While self-criticism may give us a swift kick in the pants, it elevates symptoms of anxiety and depression in the long run.
“Self-compassion has been shown by researchers to ease symptoms of psychopathology in adults, while bolstering motivation and high performance standards.
“Self-compassion encourages mindfulness, or noticing your feelings without judgment; self-kindness, or talking to yourself in a soothing way; and common humanity, or thinking about how others might be suffering similarly.
“ ‘There’s almost no one whom we treat as badly as ourselves.’
“[S]elf compassion lets you own up to a tough moment without paying for it with your self-worth. This new logic teaches students that they don’t have to be perfect to be worthy.”

“Self-compassion … encourages you to acknowledge your flaws and limitations, allowing you to look at yourself from a more objective and realistic point of view.
“Without the pressure to be superhuman, it’s easier to accept feedback and criticism.
“[R]esilience may be the most remarkable benefit of self-compassion.
“[S]elf-compassionate people also tend to ruminate less because they can “break the cycle of negativity” by accepting their own imperfections.
“Self-compassionate people are better at owning up to their mistakes.
“[S]elf-compassion has been shown to help people better empathize with others.
“[A] few ways to embrace self-compassion: Accept that you’re human, recognize your failures and frustrations, and avoid dwelling on mistakes. “ ‘Don’t beat yourself up for beating yourself up. … [W]e just need to learn to make friends with our inner critic.’”