Do you accept yourself exactly as you are?
If you struggle to say yes, you’re not alone. We live in a world with a strong focus on self-improvement. And while personal growth is a great thing, so is accepting the person you are right now. Both are important for our wellbeing.
In psychology, self-acceptance is about completely accepting yourself without any conditions or qualifications (Seltzer, 2008).
Here are some examples of self-accepting statements:
I’m a human being with both strengths and weaknesses
There are things I’m great at, things I’m working on, and things I’ll never master
I’m constantly learning
It’s OK to make mistakes
I’m worthy of love and acceptance as I am right now
Below are six ways to start practising self-acceptance today.
1. Forgive yourself
We all make mistakes. Every single one of us! Forgive yourself for past regressions and future failures. See mistakes as an opportunity to learn and grow.
2. Practise self-kindness
Self-acceptance starts with self-kindness. Read How to get started with self-kindness and Self-kindness and the brain for practical ways to be kinder to yourself.
3. Rewire your brain for optimism
Did you know our brains are wired for negativity? This negativity bias helps to keep us safe from threats, but it’s possible to rewire our brains to experience more positive thinking. Read How to think like an optimist to learn more.
4. Celebrate your achievements
We’re more likely to focus on negative experiences than positive ones. That’s why it’s so important to consciously celebrate your achievements, big and small. Taking the time to celebrate what you’re great at helps to counteract our brain’s tendency towards negative thinking.
5. Accept yourself as you would a friend
We accept our friends for who they are, flaws and all. We understand we’re all imperfect human beings doing our best in imperfect conditions. Give yourself the same compassion and understanding.
6. Embrace a growth mindset
Stay open-minded to new experiences and learnings. Accept yourself for who you are today, while still being excited to improve in the future. There’s room for both perspectives, and both are equally important for wellbeing.