What if I told you Empathy is a super power? . . .
And learning how to cultivate it can change the dynamic of your life and your work environment.
Many of the articles you will find about cultivating empathy relate to how to be empathetic toward others. Learning how to master feeling the way others do, is viewed as a great leadership quality.
While I whole heartedly agree - I believe there is a pre-requisite to that concept:
You must learn to give yourself empathy - before you can truly be empathetic to others.
Seriously, when was the last time you showered yourself with empathy?
Is this something you were taught and learned to do on the daily?
Probably not and realistically we have conditioned ourselves to do the opposite.
We sabotage ourselves when we make a mistake, do something half heartedly or don't hit our intended goals....making matters worse.
If you can't be kind to yourself in those moments, how can you authentically be kind to others?
This week, I want to offer you 3 ways you can begin to flex your empathy muscle inward toward your self.
1) Catch yourself when you hear your own judgement screaming in your ear - self awareness is always the first step.
2) Ground yourself in understanding you are human and humans are NOT perfect - we are imperfect beings.
3) Talk to yourself as if you're talking to your best friend - speak exactly how you would to her.
When you can take responsibility for forgiving and caring for yourself - it will be easier to extend to others.
This week - pick just one of these strategies and notice how it goes. Continue to practice getting good at doing this for yourself so it becomes a no-brainer to give to others.
xoxo,
Patricia
I'm currently offering onsite and offsite workshops and group coaching using the Positive Intelligence framework.
This is a research based program that has proven to:
boost self awareness 97%
increase optimism 91%
improve teamwork and collaboration 92%
up level self confidence 83%
Imagine yourself able to remain calm, clear headed, stress-free, and positive even in the midst of handling work and life’s greatest challenges. What becomes possible for you, in achievement, in peace of mind and wellness, and in your relationships?
The next group coaching will begin the week of May 1st.