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?