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We all should allow for some level of self-criticism. Remember that criticism can be constructive, and being willing to accept the fact that sometimes we make mistakes and have room for improvement is actually how we’ll become successful. That’s just called being able to take feedback. We should be able to take feedback from others, and also from ourselves. Those who are not at all self-critical are, well, called narcissists. Or sociopaths. Ego maniacs. You can quickly see how never being self-critical can be a bad thing. That being said, some individuals err too far on the side of being self-critical—so much so that it’s debilitating. We should only be self-critical to the point that it enables us to make a change, and then be proud of ourselves. But some don’t get to that next step. Here are signs you may be too self-critical (but don’t be hard on yourself about that, too.)
You tear apart good experiences
You can have an excellent experience—maybe a career success or a social experience like a good first date—and you’ll just tear it apart after. You’ll be down on yourself about the one thing you said wrong or the one way you embarrassed yourself. What others may have seen as a success, you view in a negative light.
