I'm an executive coach helping high achieving professionals go from burned out to balanced. Join my free newsletter Spark Insights. Every Friday, you'll get 1 inspiring quote, 1 self-inquiry question, 1 action item and 1 statistics. Join 18,000 people who are learning actionable and impactful tips.
"You have been criticizing yourself for years, and it hasn't worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens." - Louise L. Hay
Question
What negative self-talk patterns do you notice, and how can you challenge them with self-compassion and kindness?
Action Step
Practice reframing negative thoughts with affirmations or positive self-talk. Replace self-criticism with statements of encouragement and support.
Statistic
According to research published in the Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy, negative self-talk is a significant contributor to anxiety and depression.
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Sneak Preview
I've been working hard behind the scenes over the past few months on a new platform to help you transform your career and your life.
In my coaching engagements we start with talking about career breaks to live more intentional lives. However, our work and stories never stop there, in fact, they are just beginning.
At the end of the day, we all desire a few core things:
Connection
Safety & Security
Purpose & Meaning
Happiness & Well-Being
Growth, Learning and Achievement
The goal of my new platform and program is centered around how we can work intentionally to achieve these core desires individually and together.
I'm excited to share more in the coming weeks! Stay tuned!
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I have struggled with inner critics for as long as I can remember. I'm an Enneagram 1, if that gives you any indication.
In August I went on a retreat, and at the end of a class, the instructor said to me, "You have a lot of judgement in your body." Well no sh*t, Sherlock. I've had a panel of critics in my mind and body for decades. Today, I think I've successfully gotten it down to one (okay, two). Here's what I learned:
What does your inner critic say?
You know the one. It says things like:
“No one likes you.”
“You’re not good enough.”
“You should’ve done more.”
“They’re all better than you.”
“If you ask for help, you’re weak.”
Sound familiar?
I wrestled with this monster for years.
I’d argue. I’d negotiate. I’d distract.
But it was always lurking in the shadows.
When I started my recovery from burnout, I went to a meditation retreat.
But it taught me more than just breathing.
I was taught self-compassion practices.
There are 3 components:
1) Self-kindness
Treating yourself with kindness rather than self-criticism or judgment.
2) Common humanity
Recognizing that everyone feels inadequate or makes mistakes. This is part of being human.
3) Mindfulness
Acknowledging difficult emotions without judgment and learning to respond to them.
Self-compassion is about both —
Being kind to yourself, AND
Taking accountability for your actions.
Because when you can do both, your inner critic loses its power.
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Want to learn more? Check out these resources:
🎧 Podcasts:
Just dropped this morning! I had a chance to chat with Zach White on his podcast The Happy Engineer. In this episode, we look at the underestimated value of taking strategic career breaks with me, Laura Nguyen, author of “Career Break Compass: Navigating Your Path to a Balanced Life Through Intentional Time Off.”
The Mountain is You by Brianna Wiest has a spot on my desk. I've read it so many times, but it stays there because it's a reminder of how to tame that inner critic and shift from self-sabotaging behaviors.
How to Be Yourself: Quiet Your Inner Critic and Rise Above Social Anxiety by Ellen Henriksen, Ph.D. - This book is more around social anxiety, helping us understand the root causes and how we can rewire our brains to quiet the inner critic.
Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead by Brené Brown - Because I love her.
Career Break Compass by ME (Laura Nguyen)! Get practical advice and actionable frameworks to help you recharge and reclaim your work and life. Pre-order my book from Reading in Public and you'll get a signed copy, all the bonuses, and entered into a sweepstakes for 2 free coaching sessions! Reading in Public is a woman, adoptee, and Asian-owned independent bookstore. Or get it on Amazon.
Here's me, signing your book!
When you're ready, here's how I can help you:
Community: Interested in finding a place to meet others who are experiencing burnout and learn tips on how to live a happier and healthier life? Join the free community.
Coaching: I help high-achieving leaders go from burnout to balanced. Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching?
Certified Executive Coach helping leaders go from burnout to balance | Founder of Solle Solutions / Growth + Performance Marketing Exec turned Consultant + Advisor
I'm an executive coach helping high achieving professionals go from burned out to balanced. Join my free newsletter Spark Insights. Every Friday, you'll get 1 inspiring quote, 1 self-inquiry question, 1 action item and 1 statistics. Join 18,000 people who are learning actionable and impactful tips.
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