We definitely need to try to be honest with ourselves as business owners and work to do a better and better job at our work. I also think it helps to be able to be honest with ourselves and look at our “weaknesses” or those areas where we stand to make improvements. Many of us can get carried away, however, and spend so much time beating ourselves up and focusing on what we are not doing right, that we can force our self-esteem into the dumpster! Too much self-criticism does not help our businesses.
To be completely honest, I do not know if self-criticism is EVER a good thing. Self reflection and working on making improvements are good, as is honesty and trying to things as they really are. If you find yourself looking in the mirror or giving yourself a stern lecture about all the ways you are failing in your home business, however, you are probably not getting in the right mind space to be successful. We need to feel good about what we are doing and I think a great deal can be said for focusing on our strengths instead of wallowing and criticizing ourselves for our perceived weaknesses.
A good rule of thumb is to let your inner voice talk to you as you would talk to one of your children. I know that many of us are critical without ever realizing it, but if you can get aware of how negative you may be and send yourself positive messages, you may be able to change how you feel about the work you are doing in your business. Watch out for labeling yourself as a “loser” or “dumb”—would you say these things to your child? Instead, focus on the positive and look for ways to improve—not all the ways you think you are falling short.
See Also: Encouraging a Self-Critical Child
Why Criticizing can get YOU Down