Stop Beating Yourself Up and Listen to This | Kristin Neff episode artwork

EPISODE · Jun 12, 2026 · 47 MIN

Stop Beating Yourself Up and Listen to This | Kristin Neff

from The Midlife Chrysalis · host Chip Conley

Most of us are far kinder to other people than we are to ourselves and according to leading self-compassion researcher Kristin Neff, that may be one of the biggest reasons we struggle with stress, burnout, anxiety, and self-doubt.In this episode, Kristin shares how discovering self-compassion through Buddhism and mindfulness changed her life during a difficult period of divorce, uncertainty, and intense self-criticism. She explains why self-compassion is not weakness or self-indulgence, but a proven tool for resilience, growth, motivation, and emotional wellbeing.Chip and Kristin explore:Why humans are naturally self-criticalThe hidden cost of tying self-worth to achievementHow self-compassion improves performance and reduces anxietyWhy midlife often forces us to rethink success and identityThe difference between tender and fierce self-compassionThis episode is full of practical wisdom, emotional insight, and powerful reminders about what it truly means to care for yourself.Watch now and learn why being kind to yourself can change the way you live, grow, and heal.Timestamps:(04:03) Divorce, Stress, and Self-Criticism(05:28) Learning Mindfulness with Thich Nhat Hanh(07:34) Why Most People Struggle with Self-Compassion(10:06) The Power of Asking What Do I Need(11:51) Why Women Often Ignore Their Own Needs(13:13) Does Self-Compassion Reduce Motivation(16:14) Stress, Performance, and Fierce Self-Compassion(19:08) Growth Mindset and Self-Compassion(22:08) Self-Compassion During Midlife(24:15) Authenticity and Aging(25:15) Letting Go of Old Success Scripts(26:05) Hope, Optimism, and Emotional Resilience(28:57) Can You Have Too Much Self-Compassion(31:06) The Three Elements of Self-Compassion(36:22) Self-Talk and Aging(38:22) Aging, Appearance, and Self-Worth(41:10) Spirituality and Compassionate Presence(42:43) Wisdom, Kindness, and Life Lessons(44:49) Final Thoughts on Being Kind to YourselfLearn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/#SelfCompassion #KristinNeff #Mindfulness #MidlifeGrowth #EmotionalResilience #MentalHealth #PersonalGrowth #SelfWorth #InnerCritic #MindsetShift #Authenticity #StressManagement #HealingJourney #MidlifeChrysalis #EmotionalWellbeing

Most of us are far kinder to other people than we are to ourselves and according to leading self-compassion researcher Kristin Neff, that may be one of the biggest reasons we struggle with stress, burnout, anxiety, and self-doubt.In this episode, Kristin shares how discovering self-compassion through Buddhism and mindfulness changed her life during a difficult period of divorce, uncertainty, and intense self-criticism. She explains why self-compassion is not weakness or self-indulgence, but a proven tool for resilience, growth, motivation, and emotional wellbeing.Chip and Kristin explore:Why humans are naturally self-criticalThe hidden cost of tying self-worth to achievementHow self-compassion improves performance and reduces anxietyWhy midlife often forces us to rethink success and identityThe difference between tender and fierce self-compassionThis episode is full of practical wisdom, emotional insight, and powerful reminders about what it truly means to care for yourself.Watch now and learn why being kind to yourself can change the way you live, grow, and heal.Timestamps:(04:03) Divorce, Stress, and Self-Criticism(05:28) Learning Mindfulness with Thich Nhat Hanh(07:34) Why Most People Struggle with Self-Compassion(10:06) The Power of Asking What Do I Need(11:51) Why Women Often Ignore Their Own Needs(13:13) Does Self-Compassion Reduce Motivation(16:14) Stress, Performance, and Fierce Self-Compassion(19:08) Growth Mindset and Self-Compassion(22:08) Self-Compassion During Midlife(24:15) Authenticity and Aging(25:15) Letting Go of Old Success Scripts(26:05) Hope, Optimism, and Emotional Resilience(28:57) Can You Have Too Much Self-Compassion(31:06) The Three Elements of Self-Compassion(36:22) Self-Talk and Aging(38:22) Aging, Appearance, and Self-Worth(41:10) Spirituality and Compassionate Presence(42:43) Wisdom, Kindness, and Life Lessons(44:49) Final Thoughts on Being Kind to YourselfLearn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/#SelfCompassion #KristinNeff #Mindfulness #MidlifeGrowth #EmotionalResilience #MentalHealth #PersonalGrowth #SelfWorth #InnerCritic #MindsetShift #Authenticity #StressManagement #HealingJourney #MidlifeChrysalis #EmotionalWellbeing

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Stop Beating Yourself Up and Listen to This | Kristin Neff

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This episode was published on June 12, 2026.

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Most of us are far kinder to other people than we are to ourselves and according to leading self-compassion researcher Kristin Neff, that may be one of the biggest reasons we struggle with stress, burnout, anxiety, and self-doubt.In this episode,...

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