Self-Compassion: Does It Help or Hinder Performance?


Psychologists have recently begun to emphasize the virtues of a skill called self-compassion – where we treat ourselves with more understanding and kindness. It’s sort of like the Golden Rule in reverse.

But for many high-achievers, it’s a strategy that feels wrong. Perhaps because it sounds vaguely like giving ourselves an easy out for mistakes, and thereby lowering our standards.

So does self-compassion apply
to high-achievers?

Or is it something that might lead to better psychological well-being, but ultimately keep us from realizing our full potential?
 

by Dr. Noa Kageyama