Try Self-Compassion for Increased Performance

Are you looking to increase your performance in some aspect of your life? Moreover, what if I told you that it won’t require any podcasts, courses, physical exertion or financial cost?  This can (and should) even include how you show up on the mat each time you bring yourself to a yoga class.

If so, what if I told you that being compassionate with yourself is a great way to enhance your performance, and hence results?  Interesting new research is proving that self-compassion in college level athletes can lead to increased performance (both self-reviewed and by an external coach).

From the study: “Athletes often believe that self-criticism is necessary to avoid complacency, but this attitude can lead to anxiety and stress. Research shows that self-compassion is an adaptive way to relate to mistakes and challenges. Although there are many benefits of self-compassion, fear that self-compassion harms performance may discourage athletes from adopting this approach.”

Have you ever tried being compassionate with yourself when starting something new or attempting to better yourself in some way?  For many of us in the Western world, feeling the need to “push” ourselves and maybe even self-criticize our efforts is the way in which we learn to grow and improve. 

I know that personally, if I am able to recognize the thoughts or emotions happening within me when I am perceivably not doing well, I will tend to give up more easily.  One might call this the critical part of my psyche.  This could speak to why an estimated 80% of people fail to keep their New Year’s Resolutions by February.

Here’s an example.  I recently took up cold showers again.  This means that after my normal temperature shower, I turn the handle down to cold and try to calmly breathe for ~45-60 seconds.  The first couple of times I did this, panic immediately set in and eventually I found myself unwilling to turn that dial, post-shower.  Then recently I tried talking to myself when that cold water struck.  I say things like “You’re doing well, Joe.  This is going to be a process and it’s already feeling easier, so stick with it.”  You can amend the language however you like.  The point is, this methodology is bringing self-compassion to my cold showers and it’s allowing me to actually do them!

For us yogis (both new and experienced), one cool aspect of the study referenced above is that having self-compassion works more for those of us who have the most room for growth.  If you are a relative beginner on the yoga mat (which frankly, we all truly are), then you can and will get better the easier and kinder you are to yourself!

So next time you catch your mind doubting yourself on the mat, opt for another path.  Remind yourself that you showed up, that you are doing something good for yourself, and that you are even proud of yourself.  Then see how that difficult posture feels and report back. 

With you on the path,

Joe