Most folks are conditioned to believe that putting themselves first is selfish. It’s not shocking since society pushes folks to give up what they need to provide others with what they want. It’s easy to forget to be kind to yourself. But if you want to truly be your own best advocate, you must learn how to practice self-kindness and self-compassion. 

Self-criticism will only keep you down and prevent you from reaching your full potential. This kind of thinking causes anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, which is detrimental when advocating for your needs. A positive attitude towards yourself and the situation is crucial to feeling confident and empowered to advocate for your needs. 

The following are five ways to practice self-kindness to become your own best advocate: 

Embrace Your Imperfections

First, you need to understand that imperfections are not weaknesses but rather the things that make you unique. Accepting yourself for who you are includes recognizing that you do not have to be perfect to fit into someone else’s idea of success. When you recognize and love your imperfections, it will be easier for you to feel empowered when advocating for yourself. 

Take Time for Yourself

Getting caught up in stress and forgetting to care for yourself and your needs is easy in this busy world. Taking time for yourself is essential for reducing stress and clearing your mind of thoughts that don’t help you take action. Make sure you make enough time for yourself, no matter how busy your life may seem. This could range from simply taking a few minutes of each day to deep breathing exercises or participating in an activity you enjoy, such as painting or playing a sport.   

Recognize False Thoughts

Everyone tends to think negatively about themselves when they are pushing for change. You get caught up in the idea that if you can’t do something immediately, you can’t do it at all. These thoughts will only keep you from progressing and achieving your goals. Instead, please take notice of these false thoughts, acknowledge them, and try to replace them with positive ones. If you let these thoughts stay, they will only become true later. 

Accept Challenges as Part of the Process

Success doesn’t come easy. It requires hard work and dedication. View challenges as opportunities to learn instead of failures that are insurmountable. You may not feel like you have it all figured out yet, but that’s why it’s called a journey. Setbacks will come up along the way, and each one is an opportunity to learn something valuable. 

Laugh Often

Find opportunities to laugh and smile as much as you can. Life doesn’t have to be a serious struggle —  sometimes it’s OK to just let go and take things lightly. If you make a silly mistake, give yourself permission to laugh instead of getting angry. Laughing is an uplifting and empowering act that takes the pressure off momentarily.

Remember, being kind to yourself is an ongoing process that takes time and effort. Don’t let your mind get in your way. Remember, you are worth the effort! Mistakes are an inevitable part of growth. If you are overly critical, take a breather to reassess, focus on what really matters to you and then take action.