How Self-Compassion Can Help With Weight Loss

If you’re prone to perfectionism like me, you are probably pretty hard on yourself. You expect to do things perfectly. And when they don’t go as planned, you beat yourself up and call yourself all sorts of names you wouldn’t call anyone else.
 
And you probably don’t share this with anyone. You hide it away and feel ashamed for not achieving as you feel you should. You don’t ask for support from others. You don’t say you’re struggling. And sometimes we genuinely don’t have anyone to ask for help.
 
The problem is that continuing with this type of thinking can keep you from achieving your goals - both with your health and with everything you are striving to be and do. It’s called “all-or-nothing” thinking. There is nothing except perfectly done. 
 
But what is perfectly done? In reality it is unattainable and here is where practicing self-compassion comes in.
 
Self-Compassion – A Quick Guide

Mindfulness, common humanity, and self-kindness are the components that make up self-compassion. When you practice it you improve productivity, mood, and health.
 
Here’s how to do this:

1. Notice what you’re feeling – It might be anxiety, fear, frustration, sadness, regret, or even physical discomfort. Resist judging or creating a story around it. Just notice and name.
2. Remind yourself that everyone experiences moments of suffering – Ask yourself “How might my experience connect me to others, rather than separate me?” This exercise reduces pain and isolation.
3. Show yourself love and kindness – Place your hand on your heart or cheek, or get comfy in your favourite chair or blanket. Ask: “What do I need from myself? Forgiveness? Love? Strength? Acceptance? How can I give this to myself?”

 
Practice this every time you feel you need some support. The more you practice, the more natural self-compassion becomes. And learning to do this for yourself is so important.
 
When I coach my clients we address “all-or-nothing” thinking and work on practicing self-compassion.

Here's what a client of mine, Cathie*, had to say about her experience with working on and changing this type of thinking:

• "I learnt how the perfectionism impacts(ed) all areas of my life - by shifting how I see myself in relation to food and well-being - I also improved how I see myself in relation to money, relationships, work etc."
• “I learnt how to be kind to myself and all its many forms - to forgive myself when I did not live up to my expectations.”
  
  

How amazing is that! 
 
So, by practicing a little self-compassion and letting go of “all-or-nothing” thinking you too can be the best version of yourself AND achieve those goals. Like Cathie…
 
* Cathie also lost 12kgs and 77cms over the 12 months we worked together.
 
To sum it all up:
So many of us suffer from perfectionism or "all-or-nothing" thinking.

This mindset can keep you from achieving your goals - both with your health and with everything you are striving to be and do.
 
If you’re keen to take this one step further and have a chat about where you could start to make a change with “all-or-nothing” thinking, click the button to schedule a call. It’s FREE and I would love to help you, even if it’s just a little bit, towards those fantastic goals of yours.

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