Being Kind to Yourself

When you're learning, or trying new things, you're going to make mistakes. The trick is to try to fail in a way that gives you useful information. This week, we revisit a favorite conversation with researcher Amy Edmondson. She explains the difference between constructive failure ...  Show more

Stories about unlikely heroes have captivated people for thousands of years. This week, social scientist Ben Rogers explores why the "hero's journey" resonates so deeply, and how the stories we tell about our own lives can shape our sense of purpose. He explains why seeing oursel ...  Show more

Self-criticism can be a healthy motivator or an opportunity for learning. But too often we go overboard, lashing ourselves with insults and magnifying our faults. How to rebalance? Enter self-compassion: rather than judging yourself when things go wrong, you comfort and care for ...  Show more

A pioneering researcher in the psychology of self-compassion, Dr. Kristin Neff provides deep insight into the incredible healing power of being your own ally. In this episode, we cover some immediately useful ways to practice self-compassion and gain its many benefits. Self-compa ...  Show more

Psychologist and leading self-compassion researcher Dr. Kristin Neff shares how treating yourself with kindness, especially in moments of failure, can boost motivation, resilience, and mental health. We explore the science behind self-compassion, its impact on performance and emo ...  Show more

Studies show that greeting our shortcomings with self-compassion has proven to be more effective than being critical. When we speak to ourselves as a supportive friend, we greet our mistakes with a deep sense of safety and acceptance, feeling empowered to learn and grow instead o ...  Show more