Numerous studies show that individuals who react to challenging situations with self-compassion respond better than those who judge themselves harshly. The logic behind this is straightforward: if you judge yourself, you’re liable to feel shame or guilt, and it is often this shame or guilt that keeps you trapped in your undesirable situation, preventing you from taking productive action. If, on the other hand, you can muster up kindness toward yourself, you gain the strength to move forward in a meaningful manner.
