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Self-Compassion and Self-Development Are Not At Odds With Each Other
Self-compassion is the key to reaching your potential.
When you think of self-compassion, what do you imagine? Someone who’s perfectly satisfied remaining in mediocrity? Someone who’s lost all perspective on how to live a meaningful and productive life? Someone who feels sorry for himself when he makes a mistake?
If you think self-compassion is an indulgence you simply can’t afford, try to put aside your certainty for the next couple of minutes. Self-compassion may not be what you think it is, and you might discover that it’s a subject worth exploring.
What is self-compassion?
People often associate self-compassion with self-indulgence, self-centredness, and self-pity. It can sound like a way of letting ourselves “off the hook” for our mistakes and shortcomings. It can sound like a hippy’s fairytale — where everyone lives happily ever after. It can sound like weakness in a world that demands strength.
According to Kristen Neff, associate professor at the University of Texas and pioneering researcher on self-compassion, it’s a commonly misunderstood topic. Self-compassion involves asking ourselves what we need during challenging times and then offering care and support to…
