True confession: I struggle with one thing most people are quick to discount: self-compassion. For many, it conjures up the not-so-pleasant traits of self-pity, self-indulgence, and self-esteem. But self-compassionate is about being kind and caring toward yourself; framing imperfection in terms of the shared human experience; and seeing things clearly without ignoring or exaggerating problems. Here are three ways to become more self-compassionate: 1. Treat yourself the way you would a treasured friend Most of us have no problem supporting others, yet we tend to forget that we, too, are human, make mistakes, and have shortcomings and weaknesses. Ask yourself, “What would I say to a friend in this situation?” to help you reframe the situation, view yourself as a work-in-progress, and treat yourself with kindness. 2. Swap self-criticism for supportive self-talk Instead of calling yourself a failure when facing disappointment, ask yourself what you can learn from the experience. Viewing the situation as data can help you identify what you need to work on to achieve a desirable outcome. 3. Learn to calm your nervous system If you’re upset, breathe deeply and put your hand on your heart. This releases oxytocin, a hormone that makes us feel safe and connected. #growth …see more