I really like Jordan Peterson’s advice – to treat yourself like someone you are responsible for helping.
Following this advice immediately takes us off the path of self-recrimination drives us to a place of objective self evaluation. We step outside ourselves and see ourselves as we see other people. Just a person making their way through life. This shift in perspective allows us to get out of own heads, our from behind our own eyeballs, and see our situation and habits more clearly. It is obvious to see what people we care about need, right?
It’s not exactly about being kind to yourself, or compassionate to yourself. It’s closer to being an ally, a friend, a parent, a custodian, or a counselor to ourselves. These roles imply duty and obligation, and may require tough love instead of kindness. From these perspectives it is easier to see how I am treating myself, how I harming myself, and what should be done to help.
Because I am responsible to help, I must take action. Alright, I’ll go ahead and help the miserable, pathetic and weak person that is me. Let’s get to work man! First things first, let’s write down what is most important for today in light helping ourselves. Let’s prioritze those things and knock them out one at a time. Let’s keep our commitment to daily good habits and banish the bad. Just for today.
Ben Wagner (104)
Member The 365 Commitment
