In my quest to gather wisdom from women navigating the ups and downs of life post-college, I chatted with a diverse group about the lessons they wish they had known when they tossed their caps in the air. One standout voice was that of a budding writer, who shared some valuable insights.
Meet Sasha Miller
Age: 26
Location: Los Angeles
Occupation: TV Writer
What’s the best advice you wish you had received earlier?
“I wish I had figured out a long time ago how important it is to be gentle with myself. When you’re just starting out, the pressure to not just succeed but to be exceptional can be overwhelming. I’ve often been my own harshest critic, and accepting praise felt like an Olympic sport! It’s crucial to extend the same kindness to ourselves that we so freely give to our friends. Honestly, I would never dream of speaking to my pals the way I’ve talked to myself at times!”
Sasha continues, “Life flows a lot smoother when you ditch those self-deprecating comments, stop comparing yourself to other women who seem smarter, prettier, or thinner (spoiler alert: they have their own struggles too!), and let go of those impossible standards. Through my years after college, I’ve learned that self-criticism is terrible motivation. It can send you spiraling into anxiety, making it hard to see your strengths. A small mistake can feel like the end of the world!”
Reflecting on her early days post-graduation, Sasha recalls, “I was convinced that one slip-up would derail my entire career! I focused so much on avoiding mistakes that I forgot to embrace the learning process—both the successes and the failures. Once I realized I needed to cut myself some slack (though that pressure still sneaks in from time to time), it became clear: my best work and my happiest moments come from treating myself kindly and focusing on my strengths instead of dwelling on the negatives. It truly makes a world of difference!”
For those navigating similar paths, remember that fostering a supportive inner dialogue is vital. And if you’re looking into family planning or fertility, check out this excellent resource on infertility for more information. If you’re considering home insemination, you might find this post on intracervical insemination insightful. Plus, if you’re interested in boosting fertility, this guide is a great authority on the topic.
Summary
In essence, self-criticism can be detrimental to motivation and progress. Embracing self-compassion instead can lead to greater happiness and success. It’s essential to foster a positive inner dialogue and support yourself, just as you would your friends.