We’ve all heard it said: “You are your harshest critic.”

But how many of us really believe that? I know I didn’t for a very long time. I still don’t entirely believe it, to be honest.

We’re all self-conscious about something. Maybe we think we’re a bit overweight, a bit out of shape, not tall enough. Or maybe (like yours truly) we just think our face looks weird! We often think this is what others see and think too.

Watch this video below to find out how true/untrue that assumption is:

There. See? Why are we all so worried?

I probably need to watch this every day! Some of the exact things we’re insecure about, like our dimples or our cheekbones, might be what strangers find most charming. Most of us never have the chance to hear, unfiltered, what strangers’ first impressions are. We don’t know what they’re thinking. But why does that so often translate into assuming the worst?

I think ultimately, it’s a defensive reaction. We judge ourselves harshly before others get the chance. Then it won’t hurt as much, right? Well…not really. Look at what happened in the video—none of the strangers said anything hurtful. So, why are we trying to defend ourselves?

We’re afraid of judgment, but we’re the only ones judging.

So, why don’t we keep ourselves from being hurt not by beating others to the punch, but by not punching in the first place? I think we’ll all feel a lot better.

Love elephant and want to go steady?

Sign up for our (curated) daily and weekly newsletters!

Author: Kathryn Muyskens

Editor: Catherine Monkman

Photo: YouYube Screen Shot