Are you your own (self) critic?
- Thread starter Jace
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David777
Well-known Member
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- Silicon Valley
Depends on the mind of the specific individual. A twisted, foolish, mis-educated, emotionally and mentally unstable, person even if a raw genius has little hope of being helpful. In any case, seeking advice of multiple others with wisdom is likely to have value.
Aunt Bea
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IMO it’s a skill that has to be learned and developed.
I think it’s natural and helpful if done correctly but negative self talk or all or nothing thinking can be very unproductive and self limiting.
Stick to the facts and be kind to yourself.
“Don’t let the sound of your own wheels drive you crazy.” - Jackson Browne
I think it’s natural and helpful if done correctly but negative self talk or all or nothing thinking can be very unproductive and self limiting.
Stick to the facts and be kind to yourself.
“Don’t let the sound of your own wheels drive you crazy.” - Jackson Browne
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Paco Dennis
SF VIP
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- Mid-Missouri
Yes at times that is true. I am self critical. I am somewhat unpredictable even to myself. That makes for the need to explain what I have done, to me. 
Mr. Ed
Be what you is not what you what you ain’t
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- Central NY
Are you your own (self) critic? I am far beyond criticizing myself because I am perfect the way I am. If perchance I am wrong or mistaken it is a part of life, therefore perfect.
hollydolly
SF VIP
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- London England
Yes I am... no I don't think it's harmful... in fact I feel it's probably helpful... if we learn to self critique without being over critical.. then it prevents us being over sensitive if someone else does it...Harmful?
or
Helpful?
To critique 'oneself'?
Remy
Well-known Member
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- California, USA
Yes I am. And I do believe it's harmful in my case.
Jace
Well-known Member
officerripley
Well-known Member
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- Porlock, Calif
Not any more.
Marie5656
SF VIP
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- Batavia, NY
Yes, I think I am. Because I have anxiety, I feel it is not always justified. I feel anxious if I do not do things perfectly, or cheat a bit on my attempts at healthy eating, etc. I mean, none of us are perfect, I know that. But I am not always pleased at the person looking back at me through the mirror
HermitHogan
Senior Member
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- 3rd Stone from the Sun
I silently berate myself — sometimes to the point of being anxious. Obviously, that's not helpful.
PeppermintPatty
🐢. 🐳. 🐢
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- Canada
Yes I am my own self critic.
It’s not helpful at all. It’s a horrible habit
I’m seeing a counsellor to help me with it.
It’s not helpful at all. It’s a horrible habit
I’m seeing a counsellor to help me with it.
RadishRose
SF VIP
- Location
- Connecticut, USA
I am self critical but often I overcome it, rather than continue to feel so sad.
I agree; I think it's generally helpful. That's an excellent point about it helping us to be receptive to constructive criticism from others.
I tend to go overboard, though, and start in with negative self-talk, internally telling myself how stupid and worthless I am.
You are @Beezer. I am too. I wasn't always perfect but when I started approaching life like I was I began to feel better and better all the time.I'm FABULOUS!
Haven't you got the Memo yet??
Positivity is so important to self worth even if it feels like a lie when you start.
OneEyedDiva
SF VIP
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- New Jersey
There's a difference between critiquing yourself (your work) and being over critical of yourself. The former can be helpful in making necessary improvements, the latter can be damaging. I have done both, mostly the latter when I was younger. That sure didn't do much for my ego. Now that I'm older, I know better but sometimes I still admonish myself for doing something stupid.
HazyDavey
Western Exposure
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- Northern California
I try not to take myself to seriously. That seems to help ..
dilettante
Well-known Member
- Location
- Michigan
Let me put my pom-poms down 
and consider this.
and consider this.Victor
Senior Member
- Location
- midwest USA
We inherit this thinking from our parents...this criticism. I know it too well and it is not a good itself,
Gentle nagging within is all right, but nasty thoughts undermine confidence and optimism in life and that is harmful.
Rational Emotive Therapy is an old classic technique by(Albert Ellis) to combat negative self thoughts,
if you want to read about it. But it does not uncover deep roots of the problem
Gentle nagging within is all right, but nasty thoughts undermine confidence and optimism in life and that is harmful.
Rational Emotive Therapy is an old classic technique by(Albert Ellis) to combat negative self thoughts,
if you want to read about it. But it does not uncover deep roots of the problem