Derision Doesn't Work – Especially On Yourself

Derision causes division. That's the theme of this mini podcast.

Grasshopper Notes are the writings from America's Best Known Hypnotherapist John Morgan. His podcasts contain his most responded to essays and blog posts from the past two decades. 

Find the written versions of these podcasts on John's podcasting site: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1628038

"The Grasshopper" is the part of you that whispers pearls of wisdom that  seem to pop into your mind from out of the blue. John's essays and blog posts are his interpretations of these "Nips of Nectar." Others have labeled his writings as timeless wisdom. 

Most of the John's writings revolve around self improvement and self help. They address topics like:

• Mindfulness
• Peace of mind
• Creativity
• How to stay in the present moment
• Spirituality
• Behavior improvement

And stories that transform you to a wider sense of awareness that presents more options. And isn't that what we all want, more options? 

John uploads these podcasts on a regular basis. So check back often to hear these podcasts heard around the world. Who wants to be the next person to change? 

Make sure to order a copy of John's new book: WISDOM OF THE GRASSHOPPER – 21 Days to Creativity. These mini-meditations take you inside where all your creative resources live. And you'll come out not only refreshed but recommitted to creating your future. 

It's only $16.95 and available at BLURB.COM at the link below. https://www.blurb.com/b/10239673-wisd...

Also, download John's FREE book INTER RUPTION: The Magic Key To Lasting Change. It's available at John's website  https://GrasshopperNotes.com

Transcript

Derision Doesn’t Work — Especially On Yourself

Derision might get you quick results, but it rarely earns long-term respect.

I’ve worn a lot of hats in life—parent, manager, coach, and most often, supervisor of myself. And let me be real: I’ve had my share of wins, but, Lord knows, I’ve definitely had a boatload of fails, too.

And looking back, I can trace a lot of those failures back to one thing: derision.

Anytime I led with criticism—whether toward others or myself—I might’ve gotten short-term compliance, but the long game? That was a loss.

Now, this isn’t meant to be some masterclass on supervising others. It’s more of a gut check on how we supervise ourselves.

You’ve probably heard this before: “Don’t be so hard on yourself.” And that simple line carries a whole lot of wisdom. Sure, course-correct when needed. But that doesn’t mean berating yourself like a drill sergeant.

Honestly, I’ve never seen self-criticism actually work for very long. It might light a fire under you for a minute, but it burns out fast. And yet, when things go sideways, it’s often our first move.

It’s wild how many of us inherited this habit—tearing ourselves down the way an overbearing boss might. And worse, we don’t even realize we’re doing it.

But if you pause—just for a second—and really listen to the voice in your head, chances are you’ll hear some familiar lines. Maybe even echoes of that one supervisor who always made you feel small.

Your number one job in life is managing you. And if you’re using a strategy that consistently doesn’t work . . . why keep using it?

So, the next time you catch yourself spiraling into that internal criticism, try this—just take a breath. Then maybe another. Those breaths aren’t just a pause—they’re a reset. You’re teaching your inner supervisor to be a little more human.

You don’t have to be a rented mule, dragging yourself through life.

Be kind. Be fair. And lead yourself with the same respect you wish you got from others.

Take care of yourself.

All the best,

John