8 Steps to Confront and Defeat Your Shame
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Vanquish this soul-eating emotion out of your life for good.
Carl Jung, one of the most influential psychiatrists ever, once declared, “Shame is a soul-eating emotion.”
And he was right.
If we examine the catalyst of our destructive feelings, we will quickly learn the causes are often rooted in shame.
Shame can weigh heavily on our self-esteem, self-worth, and well-being. However, by implementing a combination of self-reflection, self-compassion, and self-acceptance, we can challenge and overcome it.
As Robert Augustus Masters once said:
“Shame is probably our most hidden and misunderstood emotion. It’s also the one most likely to motivate men to stay away from the help they need — and need to admit they need — which can range from psychotherapy to addiction programs. Performance anxiety is driven by shame; so is the drive to overachieve; so is the pressure to man up. Shame is behind the scenes much more often than you might think.”
To evolve, we must learn to identify the shame we experience. We must bring it to the forefront and become familiar with it. This allows us to shine a light on the demons haunting us. It gives us more control over them and the awareness needed to rebuild and move forward.
Below are eight strategies to guide you on your journey toward triumphing over shame:
1. The first step in confronting shame is to become aware of its presence. Recognize the thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors that trigger your feelings. Acknowledge the scenarios or traumas that have contributed to them.
2. Cultivate self-compassion by treating yourself with understanding and empathy. Acknowledge everyone makes mistakes and experiences moments of vulnerability. Offer yourself the same kindness you…
