We face plenty of pressures at work — difficult bosses, trying colleagues and unrealistic deadlines are just a few examples — but often we are our own worst enemies.
“In a world where perfection and over-functioning is applauded, it’s not surprising that we find people today doing much more at work than is healthy, appropriate and necessary. But this overworking obsession is particularly damaging to one’s mental health when it’s coupled with unhealthy and unfounded self-criticism,” says Emma-Jane Truter, founder and head social media strategist at Emma Is Social.
She advises:
- You need to set your sights high enough to perform well and do your best, but not so high that nothing you do is ever good enough for you. It can take time to change this, but begin by focusing on your strengths and make an effort to own them;
- Let people compliment you. If you find you always reject compliments, see that as a red flag. It can feel awkward to be praised, but we need to learn how to accept that we have done well and our hard work has been recognised; and
- We know how toxic it can be to never accept responsibility for anything, but being too willing to take the blame for everything is not healthy either. There are things that cannot be your fault, including technological glitches and the weather. Be realistic about what you can control and be responsible for.
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