Dear Friends,
Our hearts are heavy with the situation in Ukraine. One never wants to feel helpless, so we share details below on how you can help.
These days we are overwhelmed by an influx of political, climate, economic and social concerns in this decade of disruption. Let’s talk about the value of taking care of ourselves so we can care for others, achieve our goals and thrive in life. It’s easier said than done.
Studies show that self-compassion is linked to a high level of success. And when we say success, we mean accomplishment in your life and in work. Success is achieving goals that lead to wellbeing and satisfaction. Self-compassion is the opposite of self-criticism.
One of the evidence-based exercises we share in our Reset Program and Positivity Challenge is as simple as connecting with a good friend. This is proven to enhance your wellbeing and resilience. Self-compassion is just learning to be that same supportive friend to yourself. Treat yourself with unconditional love and positive support.
Building on previous research by social scientists, Dr. Kristin Neff, Ph.D. UC Berkeley and Associate Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, has done extensive research in the field of Self-Compassion. According to Neff, “More than ever, we need to stop seeing self-compassion and self-care as a sign of weakness… ‘The research is really overwhelming at this point, showing that when life gets tough, you want to be self-compassionate. It's going to make you stronger.’ ”*
How? Self-compassion can create a sense of safety that allows us to make positive changes in our lives, better manage a weakness or a “failure,” rather than becoming overly self-defensive or languishing in a sense of hopelessness.
What can we do to practice self-compassion? Allow greater forgiveness of our mistakes, and make a deliberate effort to take care of ourselves throughout times of disappointment or embarrassment.
Challenge: Ask yourself, “How can I be more compassionate to myself? How often am I self-critical without understanding?” and most importantly, “What do I need?” Check out the video below and then write down at least one answer and follow through on it.
We suggest that you use or create a dedicated journal for the tools we are offering you here each week. Combine this challenge with listening to The Mindshare Podcast, Series 1: Resilience, Strengths and New Beginnings. HERE (and anywhere you prefer to listen to your podcasts).
Please share this letter. We can all use some evidence-based tips and tricks to help us thrive!
🧡 Michele & Liana
👉🏻 Find how you can support Ukraine and the people displaced by this senseless war HERE, as shared on our Instagram. KCM is a great source for digestible news and resources for life.
*[”Why self-compassion – not self-esteem – leads to success,” by David Robson, BBC Worklife Research, Jan 2021]