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This article was co-authored by Trudi Griffin, LPC, MS. Trudi Griffin is a Licensed Professional Counselor based in Wisconsin. She specializes in addictions, mental health problems, and trauma recovery. She has worked as a counselor in both community health settings and private practice. She also works as a writer and researcher, with education, experience, and compassion for people informing her research and writing subjects. She received Bachelor’s degrees in Communications and Psychology from the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay. She also earned an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marquette University.
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Self-acceptance can feel like a double-edged sword—it forces you to unconditionally value both the good and bad parts of yourself. But how exactly can you get started with that process?[1] The journey of self-acceptance starts with acknowledging judgements against yourself and softening those judgments, so that every part of yourself can be valued.[2] Additionally, it is important to commit yourself to shifting your focus from judgement and blame to tolerance and compassion.
Steps
How Can You Work on Being a More Secure Person?
Expert Q&A
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Tips
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The process of self-acceptance can take a while. After all, you are retraining yourself about how you talk to yourself. Be patient with yourself.Thanks
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Before considering another's comment and judging yourself based on it consider if you respect the person who voiced it.Thanks
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Time is precious. Make everyday count by working with infinite patience and compassion for yourself.Thanks
Tips from our Readers 
- It helps to remember that other people also feel like they aren't fully who they want to be in their minds. Rather than judging yourself and bringing yourself down, choose to just be in the moment.
- Keep in mind that other people don't have to accept you, especially when you feel like you're doing your best. Just start being your true self.
- If you're struggling, tell your friends and family what you're going through so they can understand and support you even better.
References
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/evolution-the-self/200809/the-path-unconditional-self-acceptance
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/evolution-the-self/200809/the-path-unconditional-self-acceptance
- ↑ https://psychologies.co.uk/self/accept-yourself.html
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/evolution-the-self/200809/the-path-unconditional-self-acceptance
- ↑ http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compassion
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/evolution-the-self/200809/the-path-unconditional-self-acceptance
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/evolution-the-self/200809/the-path-unconditional-self-acceptance
- ↑ http://self-compassion.org/exercise-2-self-compassion-break/
- ↑ http://self-compassion.org/exercise-2-self-compassion-break/
About This Article
To learn how to accept yourself, catch yourself when you think negative thoughts, like "I'm such an idiot," by asking yourself if you would say something like this to a friend or loved one. If not, change the thought to a kind statement like “Although I might not know this topic, I’m intelligent in other ways and that’s okay.” Additionally, try daily affirmations to help overcome your inner critic and build self-compassion. For example, you can write down statements like “I’m able to get through tough times and I’m stronger than I think.” For more tips, like how to practice self-forgiveness, read on!
Reader Success Stories
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"I congratulate the writer! Thank you. It often becomes difficult to accept oneself; however, it is always possible to forgive oneself and move on. The best thing is being kind to others even when there is a storm inside you. When you are the reason for somebody's smile, you feel great from within. I practice this often when I get disappointed with myself. "..." more
