Pro Cheer Positivity: Why Is Self-Compassion Important and How Can You Practice It?

Let me tell you a powerful strategy that will help you reach any goal in life — including becoming a professional cheerleader and being the best team member you can be. It's called SELF-COMPASSION. Self-compassion is the total opposite of constantly beating yourself up for something you didn't do (or failed to accomplish). Instead, it's about recognizing your own humanity. In other words, you accept your flaws and weaknesses and support yourself so that you can thrive.

Unfortunately, for many of us, self-criticism is common. This is probably caused by setting too high standards on yourself, your environment, and messages on social media.

Here's Why Self-Compassion Is Important for Professional Cheerleaders...

Being kinder and having the ability to forgive yourself have many benefits. An article in Harvard Health Publishing mentioned that self-compassion actually lowers your anxiety levels and feelings of depression. In this stressful modern world brought about by busy schedules and trying to do too much (or be everything to everyone), the last thing you need is to feel anxious.

Another advantage of self-compassion is that helps you maintain the belief in your ability to change. In contrast, self-criticism may lead to unhealthy coping behaviors, such as alcohol consumption, excessive worrying, and reacting strongly toward small issues.

The good news is that self-compassion can be learned. As someone living the pro cheer life, here are ways to apply self-compassion each day:

Focus on your blessings.

Gratitude is an antidote for negativity in your life. Whenever you catch yourself in a low mood or feeling worried, take a few minutes to think about appreciating what you have right now. Start feeling thankful even for small things, such as waking up in the morning or having healthy food on the table. Here's a fun challenge: Each day, write down on a piece of paper three things you're thankful for, fold or roll the paper, and put it in a jar. Open and re-read those gratitude papers on New Year's Eve.

Encourage yourself.

While it helps to have a shoulder to lean on, you need to be able to cheer yourself up! A great and effective way to support yourself through difficult times is to remind yourself of your positive qualities and strengths. Think of what you would say to a close friend if the same thing happened to them. Keeping a journal will also allow you to express your feelings and thoughts. It'll help you reflect on a negative event and how you can respond better if the same thing happens in the future.

Learn to stop relying on external validation.

We have a natural tendency to seek validation from others so we can feel more confident and worthy. The problem is when it becomes a habit. If we trust others' opinions more than our own, we can become critical and judgmental of ourselves. It's time to break this negative habit by catching harsh thoughts when they arise and replacing them with more realistic and positive ones. Also, when you chase a goal, always ask yourself: "Am I doing this because it's right for me, or is it because I want others to be proud of me?"

I hope you've gained something valuable from this article! If you liked it, please share this article link on social media. Want more pro cheer content like this? Check out these articles:

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