Success requires a balance of being tough on yourself with a capacity for self-compassion, according to Entrepreneur Magazine.
Becoming too tough on yourself can lead to a path of self-destruction. Being too compassionate can lead to poor performance.
Becoming tough on yourself means making decisions even when they are difficult. When making hard decisions, don't let lack of information, fear, or regret over past mistakes stop the truth from coming through clearly.
Raise your standard of excellence and demand the same from everyone else. The best people will appreciate the firm leadership.
In the long run, a business profits when people are tough because they will continue to improve over time and create a culture of high standards.
While being tough on yourself can drive strong results among a team, having compassion for yourself is equally important, according to The New York Times. Humans are naturally prone to obsess over their flaws and shortcomings. Unfortunately, dwelling on these issues can lead to depression, anxiety, negative self-image, and even lower productivity over time.
Acknowledgement of past mistakes is key to improving, but remember to approach yourself as you might approach a friend with the same problem — by providing support and encouragement without apologizing for their behavior.
Rick Good spent ten years in the newspaper business, including with The News & Observer (Raleigh, NC) and The Greenville News (Greenville, SC). He co-wrote, with Melinda Coleman, Rutledge to Riley: Governors of South Carolina, 1776–Present (Published by The Greenville News), and is the author of Mind Games Trivia #1 (Amazon). He has recently spent 15 years creating original trivia content through Sounds Good Mobile Entertainment and continues that with his new company, SGME Software. He edits The Smart Reader’s money, real estate, and business coverage.