I Criticize Myself Too Much
I beat myself up for not getting more done. I constantly feel like I could be more productive. Finish more projects. Create more content.My discouragement hinders me further. "I'm so unproductive." "Might as well put off this project until I figure out how to do it productively."NO! I criticize myself way too much. But every once in a while I'm able to remind myself of how to avoid that.
Gain Perspective
I was recently on a call with my Praxis advisor. He asked me to tell him about what I've been working on recently. In listing what I've done in the past two weeks, I mentioned,
- Blogging every day
- Continuing my podcast
- Reaching 1000 subscribers on my YouTube channel
- Getting a new freelance client
If you'd asked how productive I was before this conversation, I would have said, "Not at all". I like focusing on my failures. The things left unfinished.Thinking about what you need to do isn't bad. But you can't let it trick you into thinking you've failed at everything.
Celebrate Success
Take time to commemorate your victories. It doesn't have to be big, in fact, it can be as simple as a ten-minute break to play your favorite app, Really Bad Chess (that game is seriously the best).Celebrating success helps you remember it. You won't feel dragged down by failure because you're able to remember your victories too. This helps you move forward. After all, once you finish this next project, Really Bad Chess is calling your name.
Keep Going
Is it wrong to criticize yourself? Not at all. Taking note of imperfections and striving to fix them is good. Just don't let that take over your life. There's a time and place for acknowledging failure and success.Attempt to maintain balance. Focusing on success makes you proud. Focusing on failure makes you useless.If you feel like you simply can't get anything done, make a list of what you have done. It can be amazing how little we give ourselves credit for.Put what needs to be done on a list. Figure out how you did it for the first list, and apply it to what needs to be finished. Then do it.Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go be productive. Once I'm done, I'll be celebrating with sleep... and Really Bad Chess.