- The Tonic
- Posts
- Be Your Own Ally
Be Your Own Ally
Growth thrives in kindness, not criticism.
Seth Thomas
May 02, 2025
Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love.
Self-criticism might feel like discipline, but research shows it often undermines motivation. Self-compassion, on the other hand, builds resilience, accountability, and sustainable progress. When you treat yourself kindly during struggles, you create the psychological safety to keep growing.
Perfection is never the goal—progress is. Start by noticing your inner dialogue and gently adjusting it when it turns harsh.
Today’s Challenge
Catch one self-critical thought today and reframe it with compassion.
🧠 Fascinating Stimuli:
Book of the Week
 | In Me, But Better, journalist Olga Khazan embarks on a year-long experiment to explore the science behind personality change. Through personal anecdotes and scientific research, she examines whether it's truly possible to alter aspects of our personality. This book offers insightful perspectives for those interested in personal growth and self-improvement. |
Disclosure: Some of the links in this newsletter are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase. These earnings help us continue investing in the newsletter to keep bringing you valuable content every week—thank you for your support!