Why do I put pressure on myself?
Why do you put pressure on yourself? This is a question I have been pondering recently. I am going to write a couple of posts about the subject.
Why do I beat myself up about things that often do not really matter.
First exercise – think of something you feel you HAVE to do. Say – finish the ironing this evening.
Tense a fist and say “I HAVE to… [whatever it is].” Feel the tension in your hand and arm and the corresponding tension in yourself.
Then hold out the other hand, palm up and say “I WANT to… [same issue].” Feel the difference in your arm and the corresponding relaxed state in yourself.
Consider each of those statements – I want to… / I have to…
Is either statement true?
ACTION CHALLENGE: Make a list of things which you feel you have to do and test each statement with a clenched fist and an open palm.
Consider each of those statements.
Is either statement true?
Do you have to do it?
Do you want to do it?