In my quest to uncover what women wish they had known before stepping into the wild world of adulthood, I chatted with countless women about their experiences. One standout response came from a bright young soul named Mia Thompson, a 26-year-old TV writer based in sunny Los Angeles.
What do you know now that you wish you’d learned sooner?
“I’m still figuring this out, honestly, but I really wish I had embraced self-kindness earlier in life. When you’re just starting out, the weight of expectation can be overwhelming. I’ve always been my own harshest critic, and accepting compliments used to feel like a Herculean task. But here’s the deal: we need to treat ourselves with the same compassion we offer our friends. I mean, would you ever talk to your bestie the way you sometimes speak to yourself? I think not!
Life becomes a lot simpler when you ditch the self-deprecating comments and the endless comparisons to other women who seem smarter, prettier, or just plain better. I’ve learned through trial and error that self-criticism is actually a terrible motivator. It can trap you in a cycle of anxiety that hinders your growth. When you’re stuck in your head, it’s hard to see how others perceive you, and suddenly, a minor slip-up feels like the apocalypse!
When I first tossed my cap in the air after college, I was convinced that any little blunder would spell doom for my career and my happiness. I was so focused on avoiding mistakes that I forgot to embrace the learning process—yes, that includes failing sometimes! Once I figured out how to ease the pressure on myself (though I still have my moments), I realized that my best work comes when I’m kind to myself and concentrate on my strengths instead of fixating on the negatives. It’s a game-changer!
If you want to learn more about navigating the ups and downs of parenthood, check out this helpful resource on infertility at Mount Sinai. And speaking of resources, if you’re considering home insemination, you might find this insightful article on home insemination kits useful.
In summary, self-criticism is a roadblock rather than a boost. By being kinder to ourselves, we can foster a more positive mindset, allowing us to thrive in both our personal and professional lives.