Last Updated on February 14, 2023 by Christin
Self-criticism is a habit that many of us fall into, and it can be tough to break. We’re our own worst enemies, tearing ourselves down at every opportunity. But it’s time to stop the cycle of self-criticism and start building ourselves up.
When we think positive thoughts about ourselves, it’s like giving ourselves a mental hug. We feel better in the moment, and those good vibes often carry over into our actions and interactions with others.
Studies have shown that people who regularly practice positive self-affirmation have improved mental and physical health, including lower levels of stress and anxiety, better sleep, and increased pain tolerance. On the flip side, people who focus on their negative qualities tend to experience more negative emotions and poorer physical health.
So, the next time you feel like criticizing yourself, try saying something nice instead.
10 Affirmations That Will Help You To Stop Criticizing Yourself
1. I Am Doing My Best
We are often our own worst critics. When we make a mistake, we are quick to beat ourselves up and dwell on our shortcomings. This can be harmful to our mental and emotional well-being.
When we are constantly criticizing ourselves for everything that goes wrong… or not perfect enough – we can start to believe that we are not good enough. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy, worthlessness, and depression.
It is important to remember that you’re doing your best. We all have flaws and imperfections. That is what makes us human. What is important is that we learn from our mistakes and strive to do better in the future.
If we spend our time criticizing ourselves while we are doing our best, we will never move forward.
Instead, we should affirm that we are doing our best. We should be kind and compassionate to ourselves, as we would be to others. Only then can we hope to break the cycle of self-criticism and reach our full potential.
2. I Am Enough
Whenever you find yourself criticizing yourself, stop and say out loud, “I am enough.” It may seem silly at first, but this simple affirmation can help to break the habit of self-criticism.
By reminding yourself that you are enough just the way you are, you can begin to change the way you think about yourself.
When you start to believe that you are enough, you will find it easier to give yourself grace when you make a mistake. You will also be more likely to take risks and pursue your dreams, knowing that you have the strength and resilience to overcome any challenges that come your way.
So don’t be afraid to repeat this affirmation as often as necessary. Because when you truly believe it, it will change your life for the better.
3. I Am Worthwhile
Why affirm ‘I am worthwhile’ when you want to stop criticizing yourself habitually? Because it’s the first step in breaking the habit.
If you don’t believe that you’re worthwhile, then it’s going to be very difficult to respect yourself. And if you don’t respect yourself, then it’s going to be very easy to fall into the habit of self-criticism.
So, start by affirming your own worth. Repeat it to yourself until you believe it. Then, start treating yourself with respect. Talk kindly to yourself. Be gentle with yourself. Be patient with yourself. Remember, you’re valuableโฆ just like everyone else.
4. I Deserve To Be Happy
A lot of people are really critical of themselves. If you’re one of those people, it’s likely that you habitually think and say things like, “I’m so stupid,” “I can’t do anything right,” or “I’ll never be good enough.”
Not only is this kind of self-criticism really hurtful and damaging, but it also keeps you from being happy.
So, the first step to stopping this habit is to start affirming that you deserve to be happy.
When you start affirming that you’re worthy of happiness, you open yourself up to the possibility of actually achieving happiness, even when unwanted things happen. And this makes it easier to stop criticizing yourself.
5. I Am Strong
When you affirm ‘I am strong,’ you are breaking the cycle of negativity. You’re telling yourself that you are capable and worthy of good things and that you are strong enough to handle whatever comes your way.
When you stop criticizing yourself, you open yourself up to new possibilities. You no longer see yourself as a failure, but as someone who is capable of success.
6. I Am Resilient
Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity, and it’s an essential quality if you want to achieve your goals.
If you’re constantly critiquing yourself, you’re likely to give up at the first sign of difficulty, which leads to self-criticism. But if you believe in your own resilience, you’ll be more likely to persevere through tough times.
So affirm “I am resilient” whenever you start to criticize yourself. It’s a reminder that you have the strength to overcome any obstacle.
7. I Can Handle This
If you want to stop criticizing yourself, a huge step is to affirm that you can handle whatever comes your way. By telling yourself “I can handle this,” you’re sending a message of strength and resilience. You’re telling yourself that you’re capable of overcoming any obstacle, no matter how big or small.
Therefore, the next time you find yourself being critical, take a deep breath and remind yourself “I can handle this.” With practice, you’ll start to believe it. And when you believe it, anything is possible.
8. I Am Capable Of Always Talking Kindly To Myself
Why affirm “I am capable of always talking kindly to myself” when you want to stop criticizing yourself habitually? Because if you don’t, the odds are high that you never will.
The routine of negative self-talk is insidious, and it can be hard to break out of on your own. But by affirming your capability, you’re giving yourself permission to succeed. You’re telling yourself that you’re worthy of success and that you have what it takes to achieve it.
The more you repeat this mantra, the more it will sink in, until eventually, it becomes your new default way of thinking.
So next time you find yourself engaging in self-criticism, stop and remind yourself: “I am capable of always talking kindly to myself.” It might just be the boost you need to get out of your rut and start moving towards your goals.
9. I Praise Myself Often
By praising yourself regularly, you’ll start to see yourself in a more positive light. Over time, this can help you to break the habit of self-criticism and develop a healthier relationship with yourself.
10. I Am Realistic
When we stop trying to compare ourselves to unrealistic standards and stop beating ourselves up for things that are beyond our control, we aren’t harsh on ourselves.
When we are realistic about ourselves, we can focus on the things that we can change and make positive strides in our lives. We stop overexaggerating things and focusing on doom and gloom.
So, if you want to stop criticizing yourself, try affirming “I am realistic about myself” when your imagination is starting to take over or you are putting unrealistic standards on yourself.
