If you’ve been assigned a negative label, you may always refer to yourself that way, even if it’s been years since you’ve changed your behavior for the better.  What does it take to convince ourselves to have some self-compassion?   It’s time to rewrite the negative labels we’ve used to identify ourselves.

For a while I’ve struggled with my weight.  I was at one point 50 lbs. overweight.  I would look at myself in the morning and think or sometimes even say out loud, Ugh...  I’m so fat, I just hate myself….

Let’s let that sit for a second…

Wow, right?  For weeks, I told myself that every morning.  Not a good way to start the day.  I did not like the story I was telling myself.   So, I stopped.   I decided to do something about my situation and change.  Today, I’m not yet at my goal weight, but I am kinder to myself and grateful that I’m making progress.  Now, every morning I tell myself, Awesome – you’re one step closer to your goal.

We meet a lot of people throughout our lives and through our business.  Many of the entrepreneurs we’ve met are at times overcome by self-doubt and fear.  They have a constant and relentless battle between feeling like a complete fraud and feeling like they will change the world for the better.  Most outsiders would describe them as confident, fearless and courageous.  So why do we focus on all of our insecurities when others don’t see us that way?   Why tell ourselves negative stories and beat ourselves up?

Try to think about how you can transform the negative things you tell yourself.  Instead of saying I suck at this, say I’m learning to do this better.  If you pay attention, you’d be surprised at how many times a day we don’t treat ourselves with kindness.  Just the simple shift of taking notice when you do this will have a positive effect on your behavior, the way you think and the story you tell about yourself.

There is a yin and yang in us all.  A constant balance of choices that shape our experiences and make us who we are.  Choose to be the person you want to be.  Tell the story you’re delighted to tell.

Now I want to hear from you.  In the comments below, I’d love to know…

1. What’s one negative comment you use to describe yourself and how could you rephrase it to be more positive?
2. What’s one specific thing in your business or your life that would improve if you were kinder to yourself?

Remember to share as much detail as possible.  Your story may just be what someone else needs to have a breakthrough.

Thank you so much for reading and sharing.