Speedbo Got You Down? Give Yourself the Gift of Kindness

                        

Janet here. The Seekerville Speedbo challenge is to write as many words as you can during the month of March without revising. How are you doing with that? If you’re doing great, making or exceeding your daily goals, congratulations! Take a bow! You’re knocking it out of the park. We’re proud of you!!

But what if you’re not? 

What if you’re failing to meet your goal? What if the large number of words other Speedboers report writing each day is slipping your self-confidence to the soles of your shoes? What if the words you’ve written seems like drivel? Are you beating yourself up? Furious at yourself for not knocking that chirpy little editor off your shoulder? Are you certain you’re not a writer and never will be? If you’re experiencing discouragement during Speedbo, this post is for you.

When we fail to meet the expectations we set for ourselves, some of us think or speak negative, hateful words to ourselves. I’m a_____! Fill in the blanks. Perhaps words like loser, idiot, phony come to mind. Words we would not say to another human being. The worst part is that self-condemnation is counterproductive and has a negative impact on our health and happiness. Use negative self-talk often enough and it will become a pattern.

So what will help us be kinder to ourselves?

• Recognize we're human. We are never going to be perfect. We’re going to make mistakes. Failure is part of life. Take comfort from the fact that when we fail, we're not alone.  

Replace negative thoughts with positives

• Recognize that failure today does not mean we'll fail tomorrow. In fact, failure can push us to work harder next time. When we give ourselves grace after failing, we're more apt to try again. 

• Recognize that the way we think is our reality. Positive thoughts breed a positive life. If caught in a rut of negative thought patterns, memorize Scripture that focuses on our thoughts and on gratitude. Read Norman Vincent Peale's The Power of Positive Thinking. Go here and read about the failures of successful people. 

• Recognize how we react to failure is a choice. We are not helpless. It may take practice to rid ourselves of negative self-talk but it can be done. Refuse to voice negative thoughts. Change the subject if a conversation turns negative. Choose to give yourself the gift of kindness.

• Recognize that destructive words fed to children can have a far-reaching impact in adulthood. If that's been your sad reality, perhaps talking with someone, a trusted friend or professional, can help you achieve a healthier perspective.

• Recognize we have a loving God who wants to help us in every area of our lives. Talk things over with Him. Ask for His guidance.

Refuse to let setbacks defeat you. Failure isn't an excuse to give up. Instead, dust yourself off and try again. If you keep positive thoughts in your head and God at your side, you are equipped to take actions that will get words on the page.  

Speedbo on!

Feel free to share how Speedbo is treating you.

Do you have tips to share that help you fight self-criticism? 

For a chance to win a critique of your first five pages or for a chance to read an eCopy of one of my books, leave a comment.