Pat Yourself On the Back

In a world where you can logon and easily start comparing yourself to other people's looks, experiences, and lives, it is easy to lose sight of your confidence.

One of the biggest things I struggle with is being extremely hard on myself. I have such fear of being mediocre that I am always looking to accomplish what is next. If I fail at something, I have a tendency to take it harder than I should. If a relationship or friendship falls apart, I find every way possible to blame myself. It can be beneficial that I expect so much from myself because it pushes me to be the best I can, but it also can be detrimental.

If you are like me, it is easy for you to look at your shortcomings.. but it is important to give yourself some credit.

Driving home this week, I made my brain do a "U-Turn". Lost in thoughts of what I could have accomplished or done differently over the past couple of years, I stopped and told myself to change my perspective. After reflection, I realized how much I have actually done in regards to the places I have seen, the impacts I have made, the people I have poured into, and the challenges I have walked through. I have always persevered.

Pat yourself on the back.

Everything you have walked through, there has been something to celebrate at the end. Every person you have come in contact with, you have the ability to learn something through that interaction. Every dead end you have hit has given you the opportunity to create a new path. Every failure includes some succession.

Sure, you will fail. Sure, things could go differently. Sure, people and plans change.. but your response is the most important of all. Instead of choosing to focus on what went wrong, focus on what you did right. Instead of focusing on your shortcomings, choose to acknowledge some of the values you like about yourself. Instead of being so hard on yourself, pat yourself on the back for all you have accomplished. I guarantee you have done more good than you think.

Keep cheering yourself on.