Challenge your Attitude

Who is your worst and harshest critic? I've asked this question to many people. Most of the time, people will say they are their own worst critic. They will pick themselves apart to the point where they degrade who they are at the core. These people wouldn't think to do this to other people because it's not nice. If it's not nice to degrade other people, then why is it okay to degrade you?

I will admit that I have degraded myself in the past. There have been times when I am my own worst enemy. For example, there are days when I wonder if I am capable of doing more than ringing at a register and cleaning restrooms at the end of each work shift. In my heart, I know I can do so much more. All I have to do is look at my track record; that speaks for itself. Even then, I overlook what I can do and focus on what I cannot do.

Getting rid of the voices in my head has been a battle. For so long, I have been consumed with others' perceptions of me. I identified my own identity based on how others viewed me. A couple months ago, I was inspired by a presentation that focused on overcoming the voices in your head. In this presentation, Ed Tate, 2000 World Champion of Public Speaking, says that the best way to overcome the voices is to shift mindset. Instead of looking at your negative qualities, look at the positive qualities.

This message hit a home run in my heart. It made me realize that I have beaten myself up so much that I didn't know how to look at myself in a positive way. If you're like me, then you may be wondering how you can overcome the negative voices in your head. I cannot speak for every person, but I will tell you how I am overcoming them. 1) I am getting rid of negative people who bring me down. It is not easy, but it releases the toxic energy. 2) I am trusting in people who have my best interest at heart. These people have brought me up when I try to bring myself down. They will not let me beat myself up internally. 3) I am putting myself through the self-discovery process. As strange as it sounds, taking various personality assessments and looking at my natural, innate strengths has helped to put myself into perspective.

For so long, negative self-talk has prevented me from achieving my goals. Now, I am proactive in changing this. I hope my story inspires you to take control of your life and you become kind to you.