Browse
Top articles
How to Meditate: Meditation 101 for Beginners
10 Science-Backed Benefits of Meditation
What is Meditation?
Try free for 7 days.
How to Meditate: Meditation 101 for Beginners
10 Science-Backed Benefits of Meditation
What is Meditation?
Benefits of Mindfulness: Mindful Living Can Change Your Life
Mindfulness 101: A Beginner's Guide
00:00
00:00
Personalized support for learning how to integrate mindfulness into your life. Delivered fresh everyday by our world renowned experts. Choose meditation duration:
Hi, and welcome to your Daily Mindfulness. Today, I'm going to talk about the link between self-compassion and success. So I think that on some level we intuitively understand this link when it comes to how we treat other people. For instance, if we're trying to help someone learn a new skill, let's say, if you were teaching a child to ride a bike, when they make a mistake or get discouraged, or when they just can't figure it out, how do we typically respond? Well, you'd probably offer kind, supportive words, right? Probably speaking in a warm and soothing tone. If they fall off the bike, maybe you'd give them a hug even to at least soothe them.
Then when they recover, chances are you'll continue to be supportive and encouraging. You know, really telling them to give it another go or if they're really exhausted and really disheartened, really fed up, maybe you'd suggest they just take a rest and reassure them that they can try again tomorrow. And they will eventually be able to ride that bike with a little bit more patience, little bit more practice, a little bit more persistence. Now, take a moment to reflect on how you treat yourself when you make a mistake, fail or experience a setback. If you're like most people, you probably are a lot tougher on yourself.
You know, that inner critic often pops up. You know, oh, I'm so stupid. I never get anything right. Or we start to ruminate about all our flaws and shortcomings. Perhaps, we start really having very deep, doubting beliefs or thoughts.
You know, I'm not smart enough to do this. I'll never get this. Now can you imagine if you were saying this to someone who just fell off the bike, like you're so stupid, I just don't think you're a bike riding kind of person. That's a pretty tough environment to get back on the bike. Right? Well, of course, when we speak to ourselves like that in a harsh and critical way, it definitely makes it harder for us to learn from our mistakes and to stay motivated to try again, and have the confidence that if we just keep at it, we will achieve our goals.
So with this in mind, it should come as no surprise that there's a substantial body of research that shows that the skill of self-compassion is closely correlated to three key skills that lead to success - resilience, the ability to recognize and learn from our mistakes, and the ability to keep motivating ourselves to succeed. So how can we use self-compassion to help us learn, grow and be more effective on our path through life. Basically, you want to learn to treat yourself with the same kindness and encouragement and support that you would give to a friend, shifting the inner critic to become more like an inner coach or a supportive friend. Now, of course, self-compassion is a skill. This does take practice.
But it's really worth the effort. So instead of being hard on yourself, when you fail fall, or have a setback, try to meet each one of those moments with self-compassion. And when you do that, you'll be able to dust yourself off, pick yourself up again, and try again more quickly. You'll also be making gains in inner strength, resilience, and wisdom every step of the way. So as always, thank you for your practice and your presence here with us.
And let's settle in now for today's meditation.
The Link Between Self-Compassion and Success
Personalized support for learning how to integrate mindfulness into your life. Delivered fresh everyday by our world renowned experts. Choose meditation duration:
Duration
Your default time is based on your progress and is changed automatically as you practice.
Hi, and welcome to your Daily Mindfulness. Today, I'm going to talk about the link between self-compassion and success. So I think that on some level we intuitively understand this link when it comes to how we treat other people. For instance, if we're trying to help someone learn a new skill, let's say, if you were teaching a child to ride a bike, when they make a mistake or get discouraged, or when they just can't figure it out, how do we typically respond? Well, you'd probably offer kind, supportive words, right? Probably speaking in a warm and soothing tone. If they fall off the bike, maybe you'd give them a hug even to at least soothe them.
Then when they recover, chances are you'll continue to be supportive and encouraging. You know, really telling them to give it another go or if they're really exhausted and really disheartened, really fed up, maybe you'd suggest they just take a rest and reassure them that they can try again tomorrow. And they will eventually be able to ride that bike with a little bit more patience, little bit more practice, a little bit more persistence. Now, take a moment to reflect on how you treat yourself when you make a mistake, fail or experience a setback. If you're like most people, you probably are a lot tougher on yourself.
You know, that inner critic often pops up. You know, oh, I'm so stupid. I never get anything right. Or we start to ruminate about all our flaws and shortcomings. Perhaps, we start really having very deep, doubting beliefs or thoughts.
You know, I'm not smart enough to do this. I'll never get this. Now can you imagine if you were saying this to someone who just fell off the bike, like you're so stupid, I just don't think you're a bike riding kind of person. That's a pretty tough environment to get back on the bike. Right? Well, of course, when we speak to ourselves like that in a harsh and critical way, it definitely makes it harder for us to learn from our mistakes and to stay motivated to try again, and have the confidence that if we just keep at it, we will achieve our goals.
So with this in mind, it should come as no surprise that there's a substantial body of research that shows that the skill of self-compassion is closely correlated to three key skills that lead to success - resilience, the ability to recognize and learn from our mistakes, and the ability to keep motivating ourselves to succeed. So how can we use self-compassion to help us learn, grow and be more effective on our path through life. Basically, you want to learn to treat yourself with the same kindness and encouragement and support that you would give to a friend, shifting the inner critic to become more like an inner coach or a supportive friend. Now, of course, self-compassion is a skill. This does take practice.
But it's really worth the effort. So instead of being hard on yourself, when you fail fall, or have a setback, try to meet each one of those moments with self-compassion. And when you do that, you'll be able to dust yourself off, pick yourself up again, and try again more quickly. You'll also be making gains in inner strength, resilience, and wisdom every step of the way. So as always, thank you for your practice and your presence here with us.
And let's settle in now for today's meditation.
Duration
Play in-app
Scan the following QR code with your camera app to open it on our mobile app
Get Unlimited Access
A Mindfulness Plus+ subscription gives you unlimited access to a world of premium mindfulness content.
Email Missing
We couldn’t detect your email with the SSO provider you have selected.We are here to make a positive impact on the world. We never want to sell you something that hasn’t helped you live a better life. That’s why if you’re unhappy with any purchase from us, you have 30 days to get a full refund and your money back.
If you subscribed to Mindfulness Plus+ and are unhappy with your purchase, please get in contact with us within the 30-day period and we’ll refund your purchase.
Learn more about our Mindfulness Guarantee.
Mindfulness
We believe in a world where everybody has access to the life-changing skills of mindfulness.
Private Browsing
We believe in a world where everybody has access to the life-changing skills of mindfulness.
Annual membership
$0
This is the app I turn to when I want to feel calm and loved.
- Abby
Melli has a beautiful way of guiding and reminding us of the stillness within.
- Adrienne James
I have been on a journey of healing and learning self-love. Amidst the work, I have been using the mindfulness app for the gentle reminders, guides to the moment (especially the difficult ones).
Kelly Boys offers a fresh and illuminating take on how to step out of lifelong patterns that keep snagging us.
- Tara Brach, PhD
Truly life changing. This isn't solely meditation and mindfulness...this is about striving to be the best the versions of ourselves.
- Marisa, Plus+ Member
Relaxing and assuring beyond description... thank you, Cory.
- Babs312
This is the app I turn to when I want to feel calm and loved.
- Abby
Melli has a beautiful way of guiding and reminding us of the stillness within.
- Adrienne James
I have been on a journey of healing and learning self-love. Amidst the work, I have been using the mindfulness app for the gentle reminders, guides to the moment (especially the difficult ones).
Kelly Boys offers a fresh and illuminating take on how to step out of lifelong patterns that keep snagging us.
- Tara Brach, PhD
Truly life changing. This isn't solely meditation and mindfulness...this is about striving to be the best the versions of ourselves.
- Marisa, Plus+ Member
Relaxing and assuring beyond description... thank you, Cory.
- Babs312
This is the app I turn to when I want to feel calm and loved.
- Abby
Melli has a beautiful way of guiding and reminding us of the stillness within.
- Adrienne James
I have been on a journey of healing and learning self-love. Amidst the work, I have been using the mindfulness app for the gentle reminders, guides to the moment (especially the difficult ones).
Kelly Boys offers a fresh and illuminating take on how to step out of lifelong patterns that keep snagging us.
- Tara Brach, PhD
Truly life changing. This isn't solely meditation and mindfulness...this is about striving to be the best the versions of ourselves.
- Marisa, Plus+ Member
Relaxing and assuring beyond description... thank you, Cory.
- Babs312
Shamash's guidance is a gift of wisdom to help us in our busy and stressful lives.
- Paul Gilbert, PhD, FBPsS, OBE, Centre for Compassion Research and Training, University of Derby, United Kingdom
Excellent! Cory gently guides you into internal peace.
- Steve Ericson
A necessary tool for those who feel lost.
- Piper
Just want to say a big thankyou to all involved as this has had a positive impact in my daily life 🙏 Valuable teachings that have allowed me to have a better relationship not only with those around me, but with myself. Heal ourselves and we heal the world 💫✨🌍
- Marty
I start every day with Cory or Melli for my daily practice. Including this app into my practice helps me continue to build more mental focus and understanding of my thought processes. What a welcome and powerful gift.
- Oku
Shamash's guidance is a gift of wisdom to help us in our busy and stressful lives.
- Paul Gilbert, PhD, FBPsS, OBE, Centre for Compassion Research and Training, University of Derby, United Kingdom
Excellent! Cory gently guides you into internal peace.
- Steve Ericson
A necessary tool for those who feel lost.
- Piper
Just want to say a big thankyou to all involved as this has had a positive impact in my daily life 🙏 Valuable teachings that have allowed me to have a better relationship not only with those around me, but with myself. Heal ourselves and we heal the world 💫✨🌍
- Marty
I start every day with Cory or Melli for my daily practice. Including this app into my practice helps me continue to build more mental focus and understanding of my thought processes. What a welcome and powerful gift.
- Oku
Shamash's guidance is a gift of wisdom to help us in our busy and stressful lives.
- Paul Gilbert, PhD, FBPsS, OBE, Centre for Compassion Research and Training, University of Derby, United Kingdom
Excellent! Cory gently guides you into internal peace.
- Steve Ericson
A necessary tool for those who feel lost.
- Piper
Just want to say a big thankyou to all involved as this has had a positive impact in my daily life 🙏 Valuable teachings that have allowed me to have a better relationship not only with those around me, but with myself. Heal ourselves and we heal the world 💫✨🌍
- Marty
I start every day with Cory or Melli for my daily practice. Including this app into my practice helps me continue to build more mental focus and understanding of my thought processes. What a welcome and powerful gift.
- Oku
Thank you for joining us
Dive into the full library and enjoy all it has to offer!
Claim your free access
Create a mindfulness account and we’ll unlock this premium session in your account forever.
7-Days free trial, cancel anytime.
Complete a few quick questions to make your own personalized mindfulness plan.
Sign up or login to your mindfulness account to proceed.
Sign up or login to your mindfulness account to proceed.
Mindfulness
One membership to gain access to a world of premium mindfulness content created to help you live happier and stress less.