Why being hard on yourself actually sabotages your success as a high achiever

Alisha Carlson breaks down a myth that keeps high achieving women stuck in cycles of starting and quitting: the belief that being hard on yourself is what makes you disciplined.

Drawing on self-compassion research from psychologist Dr. Kristin Neff, Alisha explains why self-criticism backfires, what self-compassion actually is (it's not the same as self-esteem, self-pity, or letting yourself off the hook), and what the research shows about its effect on behavior change and consistency.

• The episode closes with a simple three-step practice listeners can use the next time their inner critic shows up.
  
  What we cover in today's episode:
  
  The harmful cycle of harsh self-criticism and failure.
• Kristin Neff's research on self-compassion.
• The three components of self-compassion: self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness.
• The difference between self-esteem and self-compassion.
• Why self-compassion supports behavior change instead of undermining it.
• Addressing the objection that self-compassion is indulgence or laziness.
• Practical steps to notice and reframe negative self-talk.
  
  Ready to take the next step? Get started by going to https://thestrongherway.com/work-with-us