If you keep bullying yourself about what you did and didn't do... here's a small perspective shift (and 2 tips) to unlock results that last.

Your inner critic is a real pain in the ass.

Beating you up for every small thing and distracting you from everything you ARE doing.

99% of our struggles and suffering are around our PERCEPTION of what's going on - not what's ACTUALLY going on.

Consider this...

Why do you want to be physically healthier to begin with?

• Mood?

• Energy?

• Happiness?

• Inner peace?

In some way, shape, or form - most fitness pursuits are to improve quality of life and happiness, today or in the future.

P.S. Even if you don’t think your journey is about this - it probably is in a roundabout way. 😉

When you beat yourself up you're trading your mental health for your physical health (if it even works).

What type of trade off is this?

Sacrificing your peace of mind to achieve that physical goal that you wanted to improve your peace of mind.

Ironic isn't it?

Sure, this might help you get a bit more consistent towards a goal in the short term...

But ignoring that muscle between your ears is going to harm your physical health MORE long term.

It's completely backwards.

So I think we all agree it’s silly - but what do we do about it?

2 things that have helped me overcome this:

1. Mindfulness

2. Self Compassion

1. Mindfulness

We need to recognize this voice for what it is - our thoughts.

This voice is not you.

You are the one observing it.

As soon as you entertain it - it's game over.

99% of your suffering comes from these thoughts around reality - not reality itself.

We need to dismiss this inner critic from it's duties when it doesn't serve us.

Fire it.

Don’t give it the attention it’s barking for.

When it arises:

• Observe it (don't label it good/bad)

• Feel any emotions that it brings.

• Breathe and bring yourself back to what you're doing.

You're NOT going to unhook from these thoughts right away - they're sneaky and will take you away without you realizing it.

The best way to improve this is through meditation.

Start with whatever you can - and over time you can work up to every single day.

This is a lifelong practice. I'm no expert, but here are some resources I'd recommend:

• Awareness by Anthony De Mello

• The Happiness Trap by Russ Harris

• The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer

• This guided meditation from Alan Watts

2. Self Compassion

This one has gotten misconstrued online.

No, self compassion is not sitting on the couch, binge watching TV and slamming junk food all day every day.

We need to practice self compassion toward our past self.

Whenever you're beating yourself up - recognizing you're not perfect and treating yourself as you would a loved one goes a long way.

There is no situation where being harsh on your past decisions is a net win.

Yesterday's "bad" day is burning you twice - keeping you from executing today.

As we practice this self compassion, you'll find clarity to make the next best decision from right now, instead of dwelling on your shortcomings.

Self compassion IS NOT giving yourself permission to eat like shit, sit on the couch, and move away from your goals.

Why?

Because we also need to practice self compassion for our FUTURE selves.

What actions today will improve your future self’s quality of life and happiness?

You got it - eating nutritious food and moving your body.

Just makes sure it's a realistic, appropriate approach you can actually stick to!

Leading to a healthier you (both physically and mentally).

TLDR:

What's done is done.

You can't change your past actions.

There's no benefit to being harsh on yourself.

Practice mindfulness to catch this inner critic in action.

Let it go to gain the clarity to make the next best decision for your future self.

Practice self compassion toward yesterday's you by turning down the critic.

Practice self compassion toward future you by eating well and moving your body!