Cheyenne Jackson From Call Me Kat Doesn't Judge His Work

Self-criticism can be crippling. According to an article in Good Therapy, self-criticism can become damaging when it becomes unconstructive, such as telling oneself, "I can't do anything right" or "I'm not good enough." Since those self-critical statements are not about obtainable goals, they can affect one's self-esteem.

According to Golan Shahar, Ph.D., writing for Psychology Today, excessive self-criticism can lead to some physical and psychological issues, including depression, anxiety, and even suicide. What's even worse is that depression can lead to further self-criticism, creating a destructive cycle. "Moreover, research worldwide provides a compelling answer as to why self-criticism leads to mental and physical disorders," Shahar explained. "The answer: Self-criticism derails people's social environments. It propels people to generate interpersonal stress (e.g., be involved in quarrels and beget rejections), and it interferes with people's ability to experience positive, enjoyable life events (such as having fun with friends) and to mobilize social support in times of need. Such a negative environment serves as fertile ground for emotional distress, which in turn might increase self-criticism. I call this process 'The Self-Critical Cascade.'" Thus, self-criticism isn't just potentially unhealthy; it can become a never-ending loop that interferes with everyday function.

Actors find themselves in a profession where self-criticism can damage their careers as they are constantly being recorded and observed by large audiences. That's why an actor like Cheyenne Jackson of "Call Me Kat" learned to let go of self-criticism in his career, and it's been a lifesaver for him.