Importance of Self-Criticism to Personal Growth and Development
A holistic understanding of self is essential in the success of any kind. It is hard to improve without taking an accurate inventory of one’s self, and self-criticism is necessary for correct identification of one’s fault in order to spur positive change. Self-criticism involves pointing out one’s flaws in various aspects of the self with a focus on improvement. Self-criticism is more usually more valuable and accurate than criticism that comes from others because it provides the best opportunity to ensure personal growth and increase self-awareness.
Self-criticism ensures learning from one’s mistake and channeling the lesson towards personal growth. Research shows that self-criticism affects goal progress positively; that people who engage in self-criticism are always getting better in their stations (Powers et al. 964). The positive relationship is because self-criticism provides a realistic analysis of situations, whether good or bad. The realistic approach closes the door to defensive mechanisms that characterize mistake situations while allowing acknowledging mistakes and seeking ways to improve. Often after conducting self-criticism, there will be no repeat of the same error because the decision to improve always comes from inside.
Also, self-criticism is vital in increasing the sense of self-awareness by having an understanding of personal strengths and weaknesses. For example, a person lacking in public speaking skills but is excellent in writing skill stands a high chance of gaining control of the gap through self-criticism. The control comes from admitting the weakness and seeking realistic ways to surmount it, either by relying on writing ability to communicate or networking with others to bridge areas of weakness. Unlike other criticisms, self-criticism essentially gives room for an honest assessment of self to have a clear vision of what is needed to meet a particular end. The self-awareness that stems from self-criticism can offer a strong foundation for growth and development, considering the understanding of self that comes with it (Kannan et al. 116).
On the contrary, psychologists have reckoned that severe self-criticism could lead to mental health disorders such as depression and low self-esteem. According to Dunkley and David, harsh self-criticism is likely to involve self-beating that lead to feelings of unworthiness among other hosts of mental disorders (335-346). Self-beating mostly begins when uncompromising demand for high standards is not met, self-hate set in, and gradually seize the mind making its victim feel worthless. While harsh self-criticism could lead to mental health disorders, realistic self-criticism is always constructive and is encouraged in career and other personal development. It is imperative to diligently carry out self-criticism in order to avoid mental health disorders.
In summary, the enhanced self-awareness and personal growth that result from self-criticism make it more usually more valuable when compared to criticism from others. The opportunity available to learn from one’s mistake is second to none. Moreover, the enhanced sense of self-awareness turns a weakness into a strength. Unlike harsh self-criticism that is harmful to mental health, realistic self-criticism ensures the betterment of life.
Works Cited
Dunkley, David M., et al. “Self-criticism versus neuroticism in predicting depression and psychosocial impairment for four years in a clinical sample.” Comprehensive Psychiatry 50.4 (2009): 335-346.
Kannan, Divya, and Heidi M. Levitt. “A review of client self-criticism in psychotherapy.” Journal of Psychotherapy Integration 23.2 (2013): 166.
Powers, Theodore A., et al. “The effects of self-criticism and self-oriented perfectionism on goal pursuit.” Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin 37.7 (2011): 964-975.