How often do you speak kindly to yourself after making a mistake or do you tend to be your own harshest critic? In this episode of Headflex, co-hosts Rebecca and Diane explore the powerful, but often misunderstood topic of self-compassion. Discover why being kinder to ourselves isn’t just “soft” or self-indulgent it’s scientifically proven to boost resilience, emotional regulation, and wellbeing.

Rebecca and Diane bust some big myths about self-compassion and share their coaching insights on why so many of us struggle to treat ourselves with the same kindness we offer others. Whether you’re wrestling with high expectations, tough self-talk, or feeling “stuck,” this episode will help you shift your perspective, boost your confidence, and unlock new ways to grow at work and beyond.

Here are the Highlights:

00:00 Introduction: Why self-compassion matters at work and in life  

00:22 Seeing self-compassion as “soft” and why that’s a myth  

01:08 Neuroscience: What kindness does for your body and mind  

01:48 Philosophical roots from Aristotle to Buddha and Stoic wisdom  

04:18 Mindfulness, common humanity, kindness  

05:15 Expectations, imperfection, and tough self-talk at work  

06:22 How our environment and learned behaviuor impact self-compassion  

09:10 How awareness breaks the cycle of self-criticism  

10:45 Is compassion weakness? Why the opposite is true  

12:22 Accountability vs. kindness and why acceptance matters  

15:09 When being kinder to yourself feels uncomfortable (or indulgent)  

17:45 Lessons from health setbacks, parenting, and returning to work  

20:45: Driving your career from compassion vs. “shoulds”  

21:06 Practices to build self-compassion

26:46 Letting go, reframing, and daily habits for kinder self-talk  

27:10 Self-coaching reflection questions to start your journey  

Connect with us at Headflex:

Email: [email protected].

Website: www.headflex.co.uk

Instagram: www.instagram.com/head.flex/

Connect with Rebecca Walker: www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccawalker13/Connect with Diane Williams: www.linkedin.com/in/dianewilliams1

Produced by Winter Audio