Give yourself a break

This is a difficult profession, no matter how much teachers enjoy it. A steady barrage of self-criticism just adds to the challenge. Developing a habit of self-compassion is one method to maintain perspective. Kristen Neff has created a variety of guided meditations and contemplation techniques to assist people in flexing that underutilized self-compassion muscle, which is the perfect antidote to the inner critic.

You can take a deep breath and follow these three actions the next time you get drawn into the judgment vortex. First, you recognize how difficult it is. Then you realize that difficulties are a part of life and that others feel the same way. After that, you offer yourself some kindness.