We all know the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
But, have you heard of the Platinum Rule? "Do not do unto yourself what you would not do unto others."
Coined by Tal Ben-Shahar (author of The Pursuit of Perfect: How to Stop Chasing Perfection and Live a Richer, Happier, Life), this rule takes into account that we don't all love ourselves and often, are more demanding of ourselves than others.
If your partner botched a few lines in a speech, would you berate them? If you daughter didn't earn first place in their swim-match, would that affect your love of her?
Then why do we think less of ourselves when we do the same? Next time you make a mistake, pretend you are talking to your best friend -- what would you say?
Don't forget to love yourself.
