Mindset Foundation

Judgement of self

Judgement of ourselves can lead to us focusing on whether we are ‘good’ or ‘bad’. Self-judgement, especially when it involves negative criticism of who we are or how we look, can create unhelpful thinking patterns and feelings of worthlessness. This can increase chronic stress.

The way others talk to us and how we talk to ourselves can influence our thinking patterns and mindset. Our early years can play a significant role in this.

• Instead of judging yourself or others as ‘good’ or ‘bad’, consider viewing your behaviours as helpful or unhelpful. Try to use thoughts or language that focus on the behaviour and not yourself. The statement “That was an unhelpful thing I did.” is less likely to cause low self-worth than the statement “I did that and I am bad.”.