5 steps to deal with shame

Have you ever run away and hidden from a failure, or something you weren't proud of?

The truth is we’ve all experienced shame.

Feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness can be overwhelming and paralyzing.

However, you can channel negative feelings of shameinto self-improvement!

Shame does not feel good.  We tend to bury shameful moments so we don’t need to face them.

Some of us even resist leaving our comfort zone and being vulnerable to avoid that at all costs.

Allow yourself to feel shame in order to overcome it!

This will enable you to engage in a successful action plan to move forward.

Guilt and shame are sometimes used interchangeably, but there is a difference.

Shame:

Guilt:

Making this important distinction will help you make changes in the right direction. Ask yourself:

• Why am I feeling this way?

• What was the trigger situation?

• Why did I behave like that?

• Should I actually be ashamed? Or am I experiencing guilt?

Thomas was selected to set up and present his group project at a science fair in front of the entire school, friends, and family.

However, due to some electrical issues caused by incorrect installation, the prototype collapsed, and he couldn't finish the presentation.

He is devastated.

Mistakes happen but they don't define you!

Recognize the mistake and repair the damage. This could be an apology or helping to fix the mistake.

Taking action to repair damage will minimize feelings of shame.

You may still feel shame after taking action or apologizing. If that's the case, show yourself compassion.

You've started the work to recognize, analyze, and repair your mistakes.

Some things in life can be hard, but there is always room for change and improvement.

You set yourself up for success by acknowledging your actions and deciding to behave differently.

Do you feel ashamed of something in your life?