Have you ever found yourself stuck in a cycle of self-criticism after making a mistake? Maybe you missed a deadline at work and spent the rest of the day berating yourself for not being more organized. Or perhaps you indulged in a treat and then felt compelled to punish yourself by skipping meals or working out excessively. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many of us have been conditioned to believe that being hard on ourselves is the best way to motivate change. But here’s the truth: this approach often backfires.