How critical are you?

Sometimes, we can be so critical of others. So much so that what we say to people affects their self-esteem...but that's a blog post for another day. Today, I'd like to address the importance of being self-critical and how it can both positively and negatively affect our own self-esteem.  The word self means: by, to, with, for, or toward yourself or itself (Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary). The word critical means: using or involving careful judgment about the good and bad parts of something  (Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary). Therefore, to be self-critical means that you are using careful judgment about the good and bad parts of yourself. The ability to be self-critical allows us to improve ourselves.

Now, I don't know anyone that is more critical of my words, thoughts and actions as much as I am. This is a good thing because it allows me to acknowledge my strengths and weaknesses. However, what isn't a good thing, is that I can be so self-critical that it starts  to hinder my growth and progress in certain areas of my life. Take this blog for example. I've wanted to start a blog for over three years. The excuses that I used to delay starting a blog? Here, I'll list a few of them:  

1. No one will care what you have to say…and why should they? 
2. You aren't a good speller. 
3. Your grammar isn't always perfect. 
4. You don't have anything to talk about. 
5. Your life isn't picture perfect.

The list goes on and on. And it took a long time for me to step out of my box because I kept feeding the self-doubt that lived inside of me. Now, one blog at a time, I'm actualizing a dream. However small it may seem to you, it's my progress…and progress is still progress no matter how slow it moves. So remember this, you are capable of making progress in all of the areas of your life that you wish to make progress in. So be bold, be beautiful, be courageous, be [moderately] self-critical and be well!

Love & Peace

Niki B.