What’s the Upside to Beating Yourself Up?

Pink boxing gloveThis is what the LORD says— “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert  and streams in the wasteland.” ~ Isaiah 43:16, 18-19

It’s January 2016 and you’re beating yourself up for not doing as well as you’d hoped and/or planned last year. Your storehouse of self-control is still full because you didn’t use an ounce of it.

You’re scolding yourself for not finishing those projects you needed to get done. You’re disappointed in yourself for not keeping those commitments you made. You’re cranky because you didn’t reach the height needed to offset your weight.

When you’ve finished beating yourself up, tell me, what’s the upside of it? Does it make you feel better, maybe more pious? Does it change anything? Is it encouraging? Are you investing your time and efforts wisely? Or are you wasting your breath and your energy on what-ifs?

Are you appreciating the abundant and FREE grace God has for you? Or are you squandering it on self-pity, regrets, frustration, worries, and/or doubt?

Here are 12 tips to help you stop wallowing in your boohoos.

  1. Stop beating yourself up and be okay with not being perfect.
  2. Ask for help.
  3. Help someone else.
  4. Take one step, then another, then another–even if one is backwards.
  5. Celebrate each victory and write them down.
  6. Don’t give up.
  7. Remember impatience doesn’t get you to your goal faster.
  8. Don’t wait until tomorrow to be thankful today.
  9. Learn from your mistakes.
  10. Don’t compare yourself to others.
  11. Be grateful to God for another chance to do things better.
  12. Stop whining. It’s so unattractive.

stop beating

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,  because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.  For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. ~ Romans 8:1-4 NIV

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    The Conversation

  1. windapane says:

    Great reminders. And, as usual, a smile or two. Thanks, Clarice. Linda

  2. Kathy Bailey says:

    Clarice, this is GREAT! Very good points. I had a pretty good 2015, a lot of positive movement, but it’s still tempting to regret what I didn’t accomplish. Thanks for the pointed reminder.
    Get together soon?
    KB

  3. Kathy Bailey says:

    I guess one upside would be that we would try to get better at whatever we’re not happy with ourselves about, but that could have disastrous side effects so maybe better not.
    KB

  4. Ann Ellison says:

    Some good things to remember.

  5. saragoff says:

    So true…it doesn’t help! I especially like the tip “Help someone else.” That does help!!

  6. janetgrunst says:

    I think you’re living in my house. You nailed it again, Clarice. Thanks