If you’re like most people, there’s a little voice inside your head that isn’t always on your side. It’s never too late to change.
The easiest way to pull your inner critic out of the darkness and into the light is to replace self-defeating lines like
“I can’t believe I’m so stupid”
“Why am I struggling to learn this? Everyone else gets it.”
Next time these thoughts surface, replace them with these:
Curiosity. “I wonder why I struggled through giving report just now. I want to do better next time so I’ll use my ‘brain sheet’ next time as a consistent way to give report.”
Compassion. “Today was rough, but it’s okay because I’m figuring this out. I’m going to be okay. Tomorrow I’ll learn more.”
Support. “I realize now that I should have asked for help before trying to position my patient. Next time I intend to listen to my gut instinct and ask for help.”
Progress. “I messed up that medication calculation on my test. But I care about being a better nurse, so I’m willing to learn what steps I missed.”
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Remember, everything you say to yourself matters!
Cheers!!
