One – because it gives me a bit of a laugh, but two: because it really puts into perspective how absurd some problems are.
You probably know the tone I mean. The over-exaggerated playground bully, or whatever “tHiS tYpInG sTyLe” encapsulates. Like “oh, the bIg bAby doesn’t want to do his taxes! must be so hard to have money waaaaaahhhh”. Or, “aw, someone doesn’t want to get out of bed today! What’s a matter, is it tOo cOld for your wittle feetie weeties? Too cold for the baby’s feetie weeties?!”.
It sounds ridiculous I know! But honestly if it gets me to do things, I don’t care. And if it can work for anyone else who might be having a hard time out there, I thought it might be worth sharing my own weird little “habit” haha
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Just make sure you counter balance you bullying yourself with being extra nice after the task is done. Like “heck yeah. I cleaned my room. Let’s go make some fucking scrambled eggs to celebrate.” (I love scrambled eggs. Replace those with whatever reward you want)
You don’t want to get into the habit of bullying yourself without a counter-niceness. In time, if you start failing to do the thing, then the last thing you need is to actually believe you are worthless and a piece of shit just because you are too depressed to function today. The SpongeBob mocking tone turns into a real, genuine mocking tone. And you don’t want that. So be nice to yourself when you’ve done the thing.
Hey licensed therapist here: this is absolutely a thing!
It’s a skill to help an individual develop insight and notice thoughts/feelings. In general, it is mentally healthy to have a buffer to help notice thoughts and feelings as separate from reality/authentic self. Something like ‘I’m feeling anxious and having a thought that no one likes me’ vs ‘no one likes me.
Also, using a voice for a thought helps a lot with externalizing. Externalizing is another way to help notice/understand our thoughts/feelings.
That’s a clever strategy! Turning procrastination into something laughable can definitely make tasks seem less daunting. Thanks for sharing!
I do this, but with a ridiculous accent. English, Mexican, Slingblade, Southern… whatever the situation calls for. I’m always adding more tarragon in French, looking for my 10mm socket in up-state South Carolinian. I contain multitudes!
You’re absolutely right. The way we talk to ourselves is so different from how we talk to other people. I’ve started being my own hype man and switching things positively. “You’re doing a good job, you’re so brave, ooh big stretch.” And I laugh and I feel better and my confidence has grown tremendously.
Turning procrastination into a comedy roast session with yourself? Absolutely stealing this. Next time I avoid chores, my inner bully is going full cartoon villain on me. 😂
I put on the nasty boss voice and bully myself. Get off your ass and change the litter, already! Man up and lift that heavy box! Did you make your damn bed yet? Get to it!
I actually need to be nice to myself more often!
Nah, that’s what my GF is for. She enjoys it too much to take it from her.
It’s not stupid if it works? You do you!
If you do this often you’re putting yourself on a path to talking to yourself very harshly and destroying your mental health and emotional well-being.
Tread carefully.
It’s a classic reverse psychology. It can be hilarious but helpful too.
Just don’t do it aloud please?