Julia Alkan on
OVERCOMING NEGATIVE SELF-CRITICISM
NAME + INSTAGRAM
Julia Alkan, @juliaalkan
WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
I’m from Vancouver, Canada.
DO YOU BELIEVE THE PHRASE "YOU ARE YOUR OWN WORST CRITIC"?Y
es, I believe this phrase is true. As we know ourselves more than anyone else, we know what we are capable of and therefore create high standards to achieve. Whether it’s in our personal, work or family life.
WHY IS IT EASIER TO CRITICIZE THAN COMPLIMENT OURSELVES?
I think it’s easier to criticize ourselves because there are so many expectations society puts on us. We tend to look around at what others are doing and begin to compare ourselves and our lives to theirs, rather than taking that same energy and uplifting and complementing ourselves for our achievements.
WOULD YOU SAY YOU STRUGGLED WITH SELF-CRITICISM A LOT GROWING UP?
I think to some extent we’ve all suffered with negative self criticism, especially when you’re still at an impressionable age. I’ve definitely dealt with it while growing up. You begin to put so much pressure on yourself to be a certain way and have certain things.
HOW WERE YOU ABLE TO OVERCOME THIS?
I’d be lying if i said I still don’t get thoughts of self doubt/criticism. I think with the world we live in, it’s hard not to. However, now I'm capable of realizing when those thoughts come in, and I remind myself that I am enough and I will get where I need to be on my own timing.
DO YOU BELIEVE HOW YOU TALK TO YOURSELF IS CRITICAL TO YOUR SUCCESS?
YES! the way I speak, think and talk about myself has played a huge role in my success. Rather than being negative and speaking down on myself I try my best to carry a positive attitude wherever I go.
WHAT DO YOU DO NOW WHEN NEGATIVE THOUGHTS START TO CREEP IN?
When thoughts of criticism start to creep in I try to remind myself how far i've come and the opportunities i've been blessed with. Instead of focusing on the negative I focus on the positive and acknowledge my growth.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE STRUGGLING WITH SELF LOVE?
If I could give someone who is struggling with self doubt/negative thoughts I would tell them to remember that everyone has their own timing and you should take things at your own pace. There might be things
you need to go through in order to grow and reach the next chapter of your life, so take every day as it comes and be present in the moment.
IF YOU COULD TELL YOUR YOUNGER SELF ONE THING, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I would tell my younger self to stand in confidence and to see the positives that may come from any negative situation.