The Self-Critic's Guide to Doing Your Best (and Not Losing Your Mind)

So, you're doing your best. 

You're out there hustling, giving it your all, but that pesky little voice in your head keeps chiming in with, "Is that really the best you can do?" Well, here’s the thing: your inner critic might just be a comedian who doesn’t know when to quit. So, let’s laugh it off and figure out how to live better without losing your sanity.

1. You Did What? Applaud Yourself!

Let’s face it, sometimes the biggest achievement of the day is not hitting snooze for the 47th time. But seriously, you need to give yourself some credit! You made it through the day, didn’t set anything on fire, and maybe even remembered to feed the cat. Round of applause, please!

Tip: Keep a "Ta-da!" list instead of a to-do list. Instead of stressing over what you haven't done, marvel at what you have—like finding matching socks. That's practically a superpower.

2. Negative Thoughts: The Uninvited Party Guests

Negative thoughts are like those annoying party crashers who show up uninvited, eat all the snacks, and then criticize the music. Next time one pops up with “You’re not good enough,” tell it the party’s over and it’s time to go home.

Tip: Imagine those thoughts as cartoon villains. Give them silly voices and see how seriously you can take them. Spoiler: not very.

3. Perfection? Ain’t Nobody Got Time for That

If perfectionism were a friend, it’d be the one who insists on folding laundry into perfect squares and alphabetizing your spice rack. Fun at first, but exhausting by hour three. Let’s aim for "good enough" and call it a day.

Tip: Think of perfectionism as that overly enthusiastic gym coach. Politely thank them for their enthusiasm, then go grab a snack and chill out.

4. Self-Compassion: The New Superpower

Move over, Batman—self-compassion is the real hero here. When you mess up, don’t go all “doom and gloom.” Instead, think of yourself as a puppy who just had a rough day. Give yourself a pat on the back and maybe a treat.

Tip: Next time you slip up, imagine yourself saying, “It’s okay, buddy. You got this.” It’s hard to stay mad at yourself when you’re being that sweet.

5. Control What You Can (and Let Go of the Rest)

You can’t control the weather, traffic, or your neighbor’s questionable taste in music. But you can control how you respond. So when things go sideways, remember: you’re the boss of your own little universe, and everything else can take a number.

Tip: Whenever you’re stressing about something out of your control, picture a giant “Out of Order” sign. It’s not your problem to fix, so move along!

6. Squad Goals: Surround Yourself with Cheerleaders

Not the pom-pom kind, but the ones who remind you how awesome you are when you’re too busy nitpicking yourself. These are the people who know you’re a rock star, even when you forget to plug in the amp.

Tip: If your “friends” are more like hecklers, it might be time to find a new audience. After all, every star deserves a standing ovation, not a rotten tomato.

7. Celebrate Like It’s 1999

Remember how fun it was to celebrate when you were a kid? You got a sticker for finishing a worksheet and a party for losing a tooth. Time to bring that energy back. Did you make it through the day without screaming into a pillow? Celebrate!

Tip: Create your own victory dance. Bust it out every time you do something awesome, like making it through Monday or resisting the urge to binge-watch the entire season of that show... again.

8. Enjoy the Ride (Even When It’s Bumpy)

Life’s a rollercoaster, and sometimes it feels like you’re on the part where your stomach’s in your throat. But hey, isn’t that the fun part? Embrace the twists and turns, and remember: you’re doing your best, and that’s all anyone can ask.

Tip: Next time life throws you a loop, throw your hands in the air and shout, “Wheeee!” It’s all part of the adventure.

So, the next time you catch yourself spiraling into a vortex of self-criticism, remember this: you’re doing your best, and that’s pretty darn great. Life’s too short to be your own worst critic, so cut yourself some slack, have a good laugh, and keep rocking on. After all, you’ve got this—even if your inner critic doesn’t think so.